Menu
    • HOME
    • Attend
      • 2020 Countdown
        • Presenters
        • Presenter Blogs
      • 2020 Women
        • Presenters
        • Presenter Blogs
    • Videos
      • 2020 Talks | Women
      • 2020 Talks | Countdown
      • 2019 Talks
      • 2018 Talks
    • Play With Us
    • About
      • Team
    Close Menu
    November 28 2020

    Sarah Allie Moore – The Experience

    xccadmin 2020-Women2

    Wow, what a journey! I am still coming down from the wave of going through this experience. I wondered what I would share about my time with TEDxCherryCreekWomen2020. I wondered if I should share some tips on best practices.  Or, if I should relay the successes and failures I uncovered throughout the process? Instead, I think I’ll share some snapshots of the journey; a few lessons that hold some of the memories of an amazing experience that I will never forget.

    Lesson #1: When crafting a message to share on the global TEDx stage, be prepared for the universe to conspire events to ensure that you integrate the lesson and know the meaning of it deeply.          

    “The most revolutionary act one can do is to love that which they find unlovable.” – Sarah Allie Moore

    I woke up in the middle of the night with these words on my mind. Reaching for my phone, I scrambled to open the notepad app to write them out before they faded from memory. A few months later, I would discover that this message would become my idea worth spreading as I submitted my application for the upcoming TEDxCherryCreekWomen (TxCCW) event. Once accepted, I began the process of crafting my TEDx Talk around this idea. Little did I know that I would be crafting a message about a revolutionary kind of love that would not only guide me on a deeper path of compassion and healing but would also support me as I faced real life situations of both loss and heartbreak.  Each challenge created a ripe opportunity to integrate the heart of its message as I shared it from the stage with the world.

    Lesson #2: The universe always sends signs that you’re on the right path.

                I took a trip to the hot springs the day after I had submitted my TxCCW application. As I was soaking in the pool, a man came into the pool and sat across from me. His worn, wrinkled skin was pale against his tall, thin frame. He looked like a vagabond of sorts, having seen his fair share of transition and change, worn and wise from a life well-traveled.  I had been keeping to myself, with my headphones in, when he waved at me.  I smiled politely and pointed to my headphones, but he persisted to make contact; he wanted to chat. I decided to play along and see what he might have to say. As I took off my headphones and said, “Hello,” he started and said, “You know what the world needs more of?”  I smiled, intrigued by what he might say next. “What is that?” I asked. “Love,” he responded, “love changes everything.” For the next hour he would share his stories of working in civil rights, human equality, and the need for a revolution of love.   

    Lesson #3: If your first TEDx training session starts off miserably, know that it can only get better from there.

                There was a total of three training sessions that each speaker would need to complete with the TxCCW panel.  I had no idea what to expect for the first session and I was a little nervous. We had been told not to have anything prepared. At first, I thought, “Are they crazy?! They don’t want us to have anything written at all?” I told myself to breathe and go with the flow. The only thing that was needed was a pencil, some paper, and whatever device I would use to log on to Zoom. I happened to be on vacation on my aunt and uncle’s farm outside of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Setting up my tripod in the middle of the field, the only spot where I could manage a clear signal on my cell phone, I logged onto Zoom. Today’s challenge would be a timed exercise where I would have to capture as many bullet points as possible, creating a rough outline of my talk, using the criteria the panel gave me. Then, I would deliver a quick talk using the content I had come up with. 

    Ready… set… GO! 

    I’d like to say that my 5 years of Toastmasters experience proved my confidence and I wowed that panel with my extemporaneous prose. However, the truth is that I bombed completely. I literally stood in silence for at least three minutes, while scrambling for words, as I tried to craft some semblance of a message. As the timer finished, I smiled painstakingly at the panel as I awaited their feedback and to be told that I would be cut from the show for failing miserably. Instead they were gracious and gave me some good advice on how to begin the writing process for my talk. Then, they cheerfully said goodbye, letting me know the next steps and that we would talk again in a few weeks. I took a few deep breaths and told myself that it could only get better from here. Thankfully it did. 

    Lesson #4: Being selected for a TEDx Talk is a huge deal… invest in a speaking coach. 

    Have you ever heard that saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Life is unpredictable and unpredictability seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when you’re preparing for a TEDx Talk. Life was creating some lemons for me and having a coach to support and assist me through the writing process, act as a sounding board, and dive into my artistry of storytelling, helped to turn those lemons into lemonade. The feeling of success and relief by the end of this experience was so worth the investment. 

    Lesson #5: Once you’re a part of TEDxCherryCreekWomen, you’re part of a family.

    There’s a real sense of camaraderie and support from all the amazing organizers of TxCCW. No matter the question, issue, or concern, Dafna, Becky, Christy, and Michael were always there to assist. Creating an event with limited resources in the midst of a pandemic was a tremendous feat that the TxCCW team overcame and conquered with finesse. Even with the difficult odds that demanded flexibility, they still made us feel like we were family and ensured that we had as close to an authentic TEDx experience as possible. Whether it was Dafna relaying details and feedback, Christy offering insight, Becky being an incredible support role, Michael handling the overwhelming amount of logistics, or Candice’s direction and care at the main event, I felt an incredible amount of support and encouragement from the TxCCW team. 

    Lesson #6: When you step on the stage, take your time, catch your breath, and savor the moment.

                All the time you spend in preparation for the stage will still never prepare you for the feelings that rush in once you have arrived at the moment. I was glad when a friend reminded me to take my time and soak it all in when I walk out on stage. It was a great opportunity to calm my remaining nervousness, get grounded and be present in the moment before speaking. What I remember most, was looking out into the expanse and being surprised that I really couldn’t see anything other than darkness and bright, glaring lights. What a perfect metaphor to the message of my talk, a message of darkness to light, from the unlovable to loved. By the time I finished my last line, I was relieved to have made it through and flooded with gratitude for having been given an opportunity to share my message with so many people, heart to heart.

    Lesson #7: Being a part of a line-up of influential women who are change agents, community leaders, and creatives will up level your life.

                There is something incredibly powerful about participating in the coming together of a collective of women with diverse voices, stories, backgrounds, and vision who are on purpose and passion to create change in the world.  These women are catalysts of change that use intellect, vulnerability, and authenticity as authority to make impact and inspire transformation. It has been an uplifting, inspiring, and elevating experience that I know will continue to nourish and grow the vision and greatness I continue to cast for myself. It has been an honor to behold and to be a part of. 

    Joanna Cronan – The Experience Nga Vương-Sandoval – The Experience

    Related Posts

    hugo-rocha-qFpnvZ_j9HU-unsplash

    2020-Women2

    Hilary Blair – The Experience

    The Journey of An Idea Worth Sharing

    Precipitating events:
    Another incident hits our news feed where the linking element was the description of the victim, as seen by the assailant, as only one or two stereotypical descriptors. And that was enough to set in motion a series of tragic actions without actually seeing the person beyond this limited view. The news feed then deepens the understanding and ability to see this victim by expanding on all the details of who this person really is – or was.

    Supporting ground-work:
    My journey in leadership and communication has been brought round to studying the archetypes through Culture Talk and how they impact our connecting and our cultures by helping us identify our values and beliefs. Through a life steeped in studying theatre and story, it revealed itself a perfect tool as it linked my theatre world to our coaching/training business.

    Activating ingredient:
    The repeated destruction justified by stereotype meets the age-old wisdom of the multifaceted archetype. Now add that…

    I get to give a TEDx talk.

    A talk.

    An idea worth sharing.

    A talk of an idea worth sharing.

    I hear the call to give voice to the outrage and deep sadness I feel in those who feel unheard or silenced again and again. But not directly for who will hear that from me, this older white woman — as I was so aptly and pointedly labeled by a fellow speaker? Through the use of a tool or technique. I’m a teacher. Always have been. What idea could I possibly share that would have any impact? Carry any weight? Make any difference?

    These ideas grew and morphed, and by the time I was backstage about to walk out alone, to share this idea in a talk, not a speech, I’m thinking “oh, goodness – or something like that – I really hope I’ve figured out how to make this an idea worth sharing.”

    Thankfully, because of the TEDxCherryCreek process I then feel all the people behind me who got me to this moment of stepping onto the Red Dot. And feeling them, I know they are with me, and before I know it, I’m stepping back off the stage. The 11 minutes are over and a wave of glorious “heck, yeah” comes over me. May a seed have been planted and may it grow.  A seed of an idea worth sharing. 

    I’m not sure I’ve prepared as intensely for anything in a really long time. That mattered because the talk matters. And it mattered because I didn’t do this alone. Far from it.  This process becomes about community in a unique and powerful way.

    I speak often, I train/facilitate all the time and I’m a professional actor – I have decades of experience sharing ideas.

    Yet…

    The Red Dot seemed different. More intense than I had anticipated. It carries with it the expectation of ideas that are worth people’s time to tune in to, to take up space, to share a stage and a platform.

    Practice:
    The process they laid out was different than anything I had experienced or even considered. We are to brain dump on paper and then, without notes, share with a series of invited audiences who watch the idea as it is and give feedback guided by 3 specific questions.

    Time kept escaping me and excuses filled in.

    I had experienced the suggested process in the rehearsal. Interesting to see what comes out of my mouth. Fascinating that it is a process that is repeatable and allows the talk to evolve and deepen. The next rehearsal was coming up and I hadn’t done my homework: I’m a rule follower and it bothered me – a bit.

    But time was tight and… and… excuses.

    Then the gift from a fellow speaker in this cohort and fellow performer. “Do it! It’s really cool and really helpful.”  And then one additional excellent piece of advice from her – “choose people who love you.”  Yes, that’s what I needed to hear to keep the expected anxiety at bay.

    In a process that suggests that you share your fledging idea and get input and feedback, I realized the loving part was super important. And I knew I needed people with opinions as well!

    So I kicked in and sent out a batch of emails inviting colleagues and friends to join the process for my TED talk – and people responded! I had given very little turnaround time and fabulous, loving people jumped in to give of their time and input. My heart was filled. Nerves of course still ran the show, even though these were old friends of mine.

    And WOW!  I write, dump my ideas on paper, put it away, share the talk, timed to 10 minutes. They write feedback and then share the feedback with me. What’s my idea worth sharing? What info did you want more of or was missing? And what else would be good for me to know?

    Four rounds of that with small, loving and opinionated audiences of 4-5 — people from all realms of my life: professional and personal, who’ve known me all my life or just met me within the year.

    And the talk grew and expanded and deepened through the input of these amazing people. I felt strongly that each and every one took it very seriously, and the candid feedback and curious questions helped me take it more seriously as well.

    I had HR professionals suggest which words to use or not. A DEI specialist’s questions solidified the importance of emphasizing the age-old wisdom in the archetypes. I had a former police officer question the directness of the mention of violence and others request that I speak even more directly to that fact. I had artists and actors and a PR specialist and teachers and a corporate attorney and a social justice preacher – each challenging words and concepts. 

    I rehearsed again and again. I worked with my team and rehearsed again with a few of my fellow cohort members.  It was messy and my technique barely carried through. Some comments reassured and some comments reminded me bluntly how I show up. I was pushed to drop in even more to truth and universality in order to show up, with my one voice on that dot and by speaking for the many, make a difference.

    Great ideas from my middle of the night awakenings, from my colleagues but no through line. Many stories, but what holds it together in order for the idea to breathe and have life?

    My supporters saw the through line when I didn’t, and they believed in it.

    I kept working it.

    Kept questioning and asking.

    I’m not remembering clearly when it locked in because I remember before and I remember after.

    I had an arc! The story hung together, and I needed no notes because the concepts built on each other.

    Ah, then I realized I’ve been in this little zoom box and I need to get on a stage since I’ll be on a stage. My dear theatre friend gave the actor feedback and guidance – all the little things I needed to realize I was doing that undermined the message. Get out of the way – be the vehicle not the message itself.

    And my team listened and shared tweaks again and again.

    So patient and demanding in the most supportive way.

    And I talked it to myself everywhere – while walking the dogs, while driving, in the shower and before drifting off to sleep and when I awoke in the night.

    I wanted the talk in my bones – so I could share from my heart.  

    One demon from a past performance surfaced three days out – and I crashed emotionally.  Wow, a talk in a pandemic.  A Ted talk. I can’t let down all these people who have helped me. I thought, pull it together Blair.

    An attitude shift came. I’ve got this. I’ve worked on this because it matters. Hard work is needed for excellence or at least aiming for excellence.

    I wrote it out in thought chunks, and I spoke it out again and again.

    I needed to trust the process. “Fearless”, the theme of our event, comes as I step in and trust.

    Do the work.

    And then work even harder.

    My voice and message carries with it the notes of my community – and my one song rings true because of the many. Fearless comes as I realize I’m but one part of a loving and challenging expansive community.

    Fearless to be me and share my one idea: Can we see each other? Truly see each other and be curious enough to learn more. Be aware of our stereotyping as a destructive habit and choose instead the age-old tool of archetype, story and characters to see our fantastic multifaceted nature playing a variety of roles in our shared journey. Not exclude but include, not make them other but to see our shared humanity, and not limit but keep expanding.

    We need to be fearless enough to stop the cycle of exclusion, to truly commit to seeing each other and wanting to know more. 

    20201113_165046

    2020-Women2

    Maggie Johnson – The Experience

    At the time I am writing this it has been three days since my TEDx Talk, and while I have had three days to process this experience, I still am unable to put into words what an amazing experience this was for me. Ever since I was twelve years old I watched TEDx Talks for absolutely everything, and I knew that one day I wanted to stand on that red dot. After writing my book, never in my wildest dreams would I expect to end up on that very red dot telling my poems and my stories. 

    There are so many things that made this day as special as it was. The amazing TEDxCC team who calmed my nerves and put on such a lovely and seamless event even in the midst of a pandemic. The beautiful and strong women that I got to present alongside who were cheering me on from the greenroom. Finally, my fantastic friends and family who watched on livestream. When I got back to my dressing room my heart was so full when I saw all the messages from my loved ones. 

    Was I nervous? Absolutely. Did I have moments of doubt? Of course. Yet the people around me pushed me to be the best I could, they assured me that my poetry was an idea worth sharing and that my perspective on the pandemic mattered.

    In my seventeen years of life I have had many experiences that I will never forget, but this was easily my favorite. I wish I could go back and show my twelve year old self what just happened because she would not believe it. I cannot wait for my talk to be put into the world. 

     

    seedling-3653_640

    2020-Women2

    Carrie Morgridge – The Experience

    This was my second time on the Cherry Creek TEDx stage and I never take the opportunity for granted. This year, as we navigated the pandemic and ever-evolving safety procedures, one word kept coming into my mind: resilience. The team behind Cherry Creek TEDx met every changing circumstance with a positive and proactive attitude that ensured a successful event. 

    As a truth teller, I have to share the unique challenges this year brought. First, our coaching sessions were limited to meeting on Zoom. Last time I gave a TEDx talk we were blending our coaching sessions with a hike, a meal, and always sharing plenty of hugs. This time we weren’t able to be together for the coaching sessions or even reassure our fellow speakers with a hug or a hand squeeze before going on stage. As women, we often show our love and support for one another in these gestures. 

    Despite the physical constraints, our cohort of speakers found beautiful ways to love and support each other in safe ways. One woman even brought an angel coin for every speaker. We created a WhatsApp group to support and encourage one another. The truly amazing part was the support of the team. Michael, Dafna, Christy and Becky did a blow away job that made the event look like a TEDx talk in the best of times. That is a remarkable feat when there is no audience and a mountain of safety hurdles to overcome. 

    As all of the pieces of TEDx came together, from the community of speakers to the staff and theme, I realized how much a woman’s voice means right now. These TED talks are pivotal to empowering the messages of women working passionately to make the world a better place. For one day, the women took to the TEDx stage to share messages of resilience, connection, and community. I am honored to have been a part of it, and hopeful the inspiration shared in our talks will create a ripple effect of good in the world.

     

    Back To Top
    © 2021
    Powered by WordPress • Themify WordPress Themes

    Ideas Worth Spreading

    About TED/TEDx, x = independently organized event.

    In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.