This past summer, I was thrilled to be invited by Pat Mitchell to speak at the first ever TEDWomen Conference in Washington, DC. It is now a week away, and I am putting the final touches on my talk, cartoons and all. It has been an interesting process, creating a talk of 6 minutes (the talks at this TED are all that length, probably to allow more women to speak)–I have a lot to say. And it’s important to make what I say succinct, and time the words with the images and cartoons I plan to show. And, of course, be funny. I believe I finally have it, after 15 drafts. Now it’s practice, practice, practice.
You can watch all the talks live via internet, for free. Go to their website and check it out. The events will be streamed live around the world, and TEDxes are popping up all over the place to watch. There you will find a list of the speakers and other information. I am also curating an exhibition of international cartoons–men and women from around the globe–about women. I will post those cartoons here this week. The exhibit is called, The Folly, Fun and Flexibility of Women. I invited 18 cartoonists from around the world to respond to that statement in a cartoon. The results are wonderful.
So wish me luck: I will be nervous, but they say that is normal. Who wouldn’t be? However, I am excited to be sharing my thoughts and cartoons in such amazing company.
When Do They Serve The Wine? 
I like your work a lot! Maybe we see each other trough the lifestream @ TEDWomen?
Rik
TEDxWomen Amsterdam
Thank you! Yes, perhaps we can!
Good luck! I can’t wait to watch your talk. (Love TED talks.) Plus if your topic is “a liking trucks thing,” I’m totally intrigued.
Ha! Thank you. It will be along those lines, trying to mix humor with some seriousness. Not always easy!
Being “a little nervous” when the time comes to deliver the talk always “helps” both the delivery by the speaker (you!) and the reception by the audience (us!). If the talk is too rehearsed, it can sometimes feel “dead on arrival.” There’s something about a well-rehearsed but not perfectly memorized presentation that allows for a degree of spontaneity and spark in your voice during the delivery. Good luck. I know you’ll do a terrific job! (Good preparation and paring down of the material you want to deliver is the key to a successful talk — which you’ve already attended to.)
Thank you! Very helpful advice, I appreciate it!