I gave a TED Talk in Edinburgh, July 24th, 2019. It should be posted by TED in a couple of months. It was an exhilarating experience, so tough to prepare and practice, so much pressure to do it right and naturally, that is gobbled up my mind for about five months. Here are some snapshot observations from the experience.
Edinburgh is fantastic city. I was practicing my talk a lot, and not getting it right!
TED’s production and classiest is second to none. Their preparation was so detailed. The pressure to do my talk mounted. TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Dian Lofton / TED
Diane and I arrived in Edinburgh July 19, with my TED Talk scheduled for Wednesday, July 24.
Diane listend so much to my practicing, she could deliver the talk herself. She helped me so much, telling me to breath and slow down.
I attended a prep session for all speakers. You can see I am pensive!
My topic was Adversaries as Allies. You can work with critics, together, on solutions that make sense for business and society. I am passionate about this!
Before I walked on stage, I prayed, to be myself. Bob Langert speaks at TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Dian Lofton / TED
As I started, a calmness settled in. I was natural, relaxed. Thank God. Maybe I could do this 15 minute talk. Bob Langert speaks at TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Bret Hartman / TED
I started with the McD’s Styrofoam package story, and how it began my career of working with critics. Bob Langert speaks at TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Bret Hartman / TED
I described how working with the Environmental Defense Fund was good for us. They gave us great ideas, like switching from white, bleached bags to unbleached, brown bags.
Bob Langert speaks at TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Bret Hartman / TED
I went on to tell stories about working on animal rights and helping to save the Amazon rainforest with Greenpeace.
Bob Langert speaks at TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Dian Lofton / TED
I cannot thank Corey Hajim enough. Corey was my curator, coach, big fan, chief advisor and she made it all possible for me. Thank you Corey!
Host Corey Hajim speaks at TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Ryan Lash / TED
Briar Goldberg was my speech coach, who calmed me down, motivated me to listen to just one voice! Mine.
Speaker Briefing at TEDSummit: A Community Beyond Borders. July 21-25, 2019, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Bret Hartman / TED
I was honored to be invited and listen to all the speakers. The whole experience was remarkable. Most of all, I thank Diane, my wife and best friend and supported me all along. I think it all worked all well. I look forward to my talk going public.