My Story Of Being A "TEDx Speaker". A Moment To Remember After 8 Years

Michael Jackson Impersonator

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08.08.2015. Exactly 8 years ago. It is a memorable date.

When looking back, it seems that only a moment just passed. But it is a moment worth remembering. It is the moment I have a chance to speak up with my own voice. It is the moment I know that I have something deep inside to discover and follow.

May it call a new passion. May it call a new destiny. May it call a new turning point. May it call my life work. Overall, it is the moment my world was healed.

2015 is a remarkable year for me. Why?

2015 is the year that I quit my 9-5 job at Vietcombank - one of the top 4 banks in Vietnam.

2015 is the year that I  I was onstage being not only a Moondancer, but also a TEDx speaker.

It is a milestone on my journey of personal brand repositioning: from a Moondancer to a Marketing Artist.

There are so many lessons and stories throughout 8 years. There is a quote that I really liked:

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernhard Shaw

Today, 08.08.2023, after 8 years, let's revise the story of how I become a TEDx speaker.

But firstly, for those who don't know, let's find out what TED and TEDx are, what qualifications of a good speaker, etc. Then you will know why being a TEDx speaker is an essential milestone in rebranding and repositioning of my personal brand "Tu Michael". OK! Let's start with the difference between TED and TEDx.

What is TED?

TED is a non-profit organization devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks of 18 minutes or less. TED was founded in 1984 by Richard Saul Wurman and Harry Marks as a conference where Technology, Entertainment, and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to global issues.

TED talks are given by speakers from all walks of life, including scientists, researchers, technologists, business leaders, artists, designers, and others. The talks are filmed and made available for free online, with subtitles in over 100 languages. TED talks have been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube alone.

TED is committed to spreading ideas that matter, and its talks have had a significant impact on the world. For example, the TED talk "The Power of Introverts" by Susan Cain helped to change the way people think about introversion. And the TED talk "The Future of the Mind" by Ray Kurzweil has inspired people to think about the potential of artificial intelligence.

TED is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about new ideas and perspectives. Its talks are informative, inspiring, and thought-provoking. I highly recommend checking out TED talks if you're interested in learning more about the world.

Here are some additional information about TED:

• TED's slogan is "ideas worth spreading."
• TED talks are typically 18 minutes or less in length.
• TED talks are filmed and made available for free online.
• TED talks have been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube alone.
• TED is committed to spreading ideas that matter.
• TED talks have had a significant impact on the world.

Source: TED's official website

What is TEDx?

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.

TEDx events are organized independently under a free license granted by TED. This means that anyone can apply to organize a TEDx event in their community. However, there are some requirements that must be met in order to be granted a license, such as having a diverse lineup of speakers and topics, and ensuring that the event is open to the public.

TEDx events have been held all over the world, in cities large and small. They have featured speakers on a wide range of topics, from science and technology to entrepreneurship and social justice. TEDx events are a great way to learn about new ideas and perspectives, and to connect with people from your community who are passionate about making a difference.

Here are some additional information about TEDx:

• TEDx events are not affiliated with TED, but they are licensed to use the TED name and branding.
• TEDx events are typically 1-2 hours long.
• TEDx events are free to attend.
• TEDx events are open to the public.
• TEDx events are organized by volunteers.

Source: TEDxKingLincolnBronzeville

What is the main difference between TED and TEDx?

he main difference between TED and TEDx is that TED talks are organized and run directly by TED, while TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between TED and TEDx:

OK! So I guess you have enough information about TED and TEDx. How about speakers? Are they just normal motivational speakers? Let's find out.

What are TEDx speaker?

TEDx speakers are individuals who have given a talk at a TEDx event. TEDx events are independently organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. TEDx speakers come from all walks of life, and they talk about a wide range of topics. Some popular TEDx speakers include:

• Salman Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, a free online education platform.
• Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist for female education
• Neil deGrasse Tyson, the astrophysicist and science communicator.

TEDx speakers are passionate about sharing their ideas with the world, and they use their talks to inspire and motivate others. They are also experts in their respective fields, and they have a wealth of knowledge to share. TEDx talks are a great way to learn about new ideas and perspectives, and to be inspired by the work of others.

In addition to the speakers mentioned above, there are many other TEDx speakers who are doing important work in their communities and around the world. TEDx is a platform for anyone with a great idea to share it with the world, and it is an amazing resource for learning and inspiration.

That's why I am very proud of being a TEDx speaker. But one thing I concern is "fake guru" in TEDx speaker community.

Are TEDx speakers fake gurus?

Not all TEDx speakers are fake gurus, but there have been some cases of TEDx speakers who have been accused of being fake gurus. A fake guru is someone who claims to have special knowledge or abilities that can help you achieve success, but who is actually just selling you a scam.

Some of the red flags that may indicate that a TEDx speaker is a fake guru include:

• They make claims that sound too good to be true.
• They promise quick and easy results.
• They ask for your money upfront.
• They use high-pressure sales tactics.
• They create a sense of urgency.
• They attack your self-esteem and make you feel like you need their help.

If you see any of these red flags, it's best to be cautious and do your research before giving any money to a TEDx speaker.

It's important to remember that TEDx is not an endorsement of the speakers or their ideas. TEDx organizers simply provide a platform for people to share their ideas, and it's up to the audience to decide whether or not they find the speaker credible.

If you're interested in learning more about a TEDx speaker, I recommend doing your own research. Look for independent reviews of the speaker's work, and see if there are any complaints about them online. You can also contact the TEDx organizer who booked the speaker to ask about their vetting process.

By doing your own research, you can help protect yourself from being scammed by a fake guru.

Who are TEDx speakers accused of being fake gurus?

Here are some TEDx speakers who have been accused of being fake gurus:

• James Arthur Ray was a self-help author and speaker who was convicted of manslaughter in 2014 for the death of three people at a sweat lodge ceremony he led in Arizona. Ray gave a TEDx talk in 2010 titled "The Science of Personal Transformation."
• Jen Sincero is a self-help author and speaker who has been accused of making false claims about her credentials. Sincero gave a TEDx talk in 2013 titled "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life."
• Rhonda Byrne is the author of the self-help book "The Secret," which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Byrne has been accused of plagiarizing her work and making false claims about the power of the law of attraction. Byrne gave a TEDx talk in 2007 titled "The Secret: The Science of Attracting Your Desires."
• Tony Robbins is a self-help guru who has been accused of making false claims about his credentials and using high-pressure sales tactics. Robbins has given several TEDx talks, including one in 2009 titled "Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Life."
• Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher who has been accused of plagiarism and making false claims about his background. Tolle gave a TEDx talk in 2006 titled "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment."

It's important to note that not all of these speakers have been convicted of any wrongdoing, and they all have their own supporters. However, the accusations against them have raised concerns about the credibility of TEDx events and the speakers who are invited to participate.

If you're considering attending a TEDx event or listening to a TEDx talk, it's important to do your own research and be aware of the potential risks.

Are TEDx speakers just motivational speakers?

No, TEDx speakers are not just motivational speakers. TEDx events are designed to bring people together to share a TED-like experience, and the speakers cover a wide range of topics, including science, technology, business, design, and social justice.

While there are certainly TEDx speakers who focus on motivation and inspiration, there are also many TEDx speakers who are experts in their respective fields and who share their knowledge and insights with the audience. For example, TEDx events have featured talks by scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists, and activists.

If you're looking for a TEDx talk that will motivate and inspire you, there are plenty of options available. But if you're looking for a TEDx talk that will teach you something new or challenge your thinking, you'll also find plenty of great options.

Here are some examples of TEDx talks that are not just motivational speeches:

• "The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a talk about the importance of listening to and understanding different perspectives.
• "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown is a talk about the importance of being open and honest about our feelings.
• "The Future of Work" by Jeff Weiner is a talk about the impact of technology on the workplace.
• "The Rise of the Robots" by Martin Ford is a talk about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and society.
• "The Power of Place" by Jane Jacobs is a talk about the importance of community and public space.

These are just a few examples of the many great TEDx talks that are not just motivational speeches. If you're looking for a TEDx talk that will challenge your thinking or teach you something new, I encourage you to do some research and find one that interests you.

What are main qualifications of being a TEDx speaker?

The main qualifications of being a TEDx speaker are:

• A great idea worth spreading. TEDx talks are all about sharing ideas that have the potential to make a difference in the world. The speaker must have a clear and concise message that is relevant to the audience and that will inspire and motivate them.
• Expertise in their field. TEDx speakers are typically experts in their field, and they have a wealth of knowledge to share with the audience. The speaker must be able to communicate their ideas clearly and convincingly, and they must be able to back up their claims with evidence.
• Passion for their topic. TEDx speakers are passionate about their topic, and they are excited to share it with the world. The speaker must be able to convey their passion to the audience, and they must make the audience feel like they are part of something special.
• Communication skills. TEDx speakers must be able to communicate their ideas effectively in front of a live audience. They must be able to speak clearly and concisely, and they must be able to engage the audience.
• Stage presence. TEDx speakers must have stage presence. They must be able to command the attention of the audience and keep them engaged for the duration of their talk.

In addition to these qualifications, TEDx organizers may also consider the following factors when selecting speakers:

• The speaker's track record. TEDx organizers may want to see that the speaker has a track record of speaking in public or of writing about their topic.
• The speaker's impact. TEDx organizers may want to see that the speaker has had a positive impact on their community or on the world.
• The speaker's diversity. TEDx organizers may want to have a diverse lineup of speakers, representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

If you are interested in becoming a TEDx speaker, I recommend starting by researching upcoming TEDx events in your area. You can find a list of TEDx events on the TEDx website. Once you have found a few events that you are interested in, contact the TEDx organizer to learn more about the application process.

The application process for TEDx events varies from event to event, but it typically includes submitting a video of yourself talking about your idea, a written proposal, and letters of recommendation. If you are selected to speak at a TEDx event, you will be given the opportunity to refine your talk and practice in front of a live audience.

Becoming a TEDx speaker is a great way to share your ideas with the world and to make a difference. If you have a great idea and you are passionate about it, I encourage you to apply to speak at a TEDx event.

OK! So by now you must have a good knowledge about TED, TEDx, fake gurus, and main qualifications of being a TEDx speaker.

Here is my story of being a TEDx speaker. I intended to write longer but this blog post is already quite long. So I will write it short and quick. If you are interested in reading a more detailed version, please comment below and I will try writing a new blog post with all of my feeling. For now, just enjoy my story of being a TEDx speaker, shall we?

From A Moondancer Who Has No Voice

I was a timid and shy young boy who dreamed of being onstage doing Moonwalking. I would watch Michael Jackson videos for hours on end, and I would practice his dance moves in my bedroom. I would even wear a black fedora and sequin glove just like him.

I knew that I wanted to be a dancer, but I was also afraid of being judged. I was afraid of being called a copycat. I was afraid of being told that I wasn't good enough.

But I kept practicing. I kept dancing. And eventually, I got my chance to perform onstage. I was so nervous, but I also felt exhilarated. I was finally living my dream.

The audience loved my performance. They cheered and applauded. I felt like I was on top of the world.

But then, the criticism started. People said that I was just a copycat. They said that I was shameless for monetizing Michael Jackson's dance moves.

I was devastated. I felt like all my hard work had been for nothing. I felt like I would never be able to achieve my dreams.

I started to doubt myself. I started to think that maybe I wasn't good enough. I started to think that maybe I should just give up.

But then, I had a breakthrough. I realized that I didn't need to be a Michael Jackson impersonator. I didn't need to be a copycat. I could just be myself.

I started to create my own dance moves. I called it Moondancing, the dance of miracles. I started to express myself through my Moondancing. I am a Moodancer that goes beyond Michael Jackson copycat. And I started to feel more confident and more fulfilled.

To A TEDx Speaker Who Speaks With His Own Voice

One day, I was invited to speak at a TEDx event. Oh sorry, I was not actually "invited". I must attend a contest to be selected as a TEDx speaker. But it was a long story to tell here. I will save it for another blog post.

I was nervous, but I also felt excited. I knew that this was my chance to share my story with the world.

I talked about my journey from a timid and shy young boy to a confident and accomplished dancer. I talked about the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned. And I talked about the importance of following your passion, even when it's difficult.

My talk was a success. The audience was inspired by my story. And I felt like I had finally found my voice. You can watch my TEDx talk video above. Unluckily, it has no English audio or subtitle but you can turn on automated subtitle. I will try to translate and transcribe it when I have time.

I'm still a dancer, but I'm not a copycat anymore. I'm an original. I'm myself. And I'm proud of it.

I hope my story inspires you to follow your passion, even when it's difficult. Don't be afraid to be yourself. And don't be afraid to speak up. The world needs your voice.

Oh, by the way, did you notice the tagline of this blog? It is "You are one moment away to heal your world!". Can you feel what it is about?

People tend to look outwards to be a superhero, or to find a superhero, to save the world. But if a superhero can have a power to save the world, doesn't he also have that same power to destroy the world?

The outer world is still here. And we'd better let it be. Because there is another world that we should take care of. It is our inner world.

Yes, instead of looking outwards, we should definitely look inwards into our own worlds. All the answers for our own problems are already in our hearts. Our inner world should be healed before we try to play a superhero game of saving the world.

And maybe, just maybe, the moment we realize that our inner world should be healed, is the moment we find peace for ourselves, despite the fact that there are still so many problems in the outer world.

When looking back, it seems that only a moment just passed. But it is a moment worth remembering. It is the moment I have a chance to speak up with my own voice. It is the moment I know that I have something deep inside to discover and follow. May it call a new passion. May it call a new destiny. May it call a new turning point. May it call my life work. Overall, it is the moment my world was healed.

That's what I wrote from beginning of this blog post.

I used to be a person full of negativity. My heart used to be filled with anger, hatred. I used to desire to be evil, to destroy those filthy people that humiliated me and made my life sorrow. But...

The moment I stood onstage doing my first Moondancing performance. It was the moment that I channeld my negative energy into the power of Moondancing.

The moment I stood onstage giving my TEDx talk an inspired people with my own voice and story, not something borrowed from The King Of Pop. It was the moment that I felt my life was fulfilled.

It was the moment that my world was healed.

I am 38 years old now. I don't know how old you are at the moment you read this blog post. But I am pretty sure that when looking back, you feel like a moment just passed, do you?

So, from the bottom of my heart, with all of my feeling and sincerity, I really wish you can find a moment to heal your world. Just like the moment I stood onstage as a Moondancer and a TEDx speaker.

Tu Michael - Moondancer, Marketing Artist

Hanoi, 08.08.2023

PS: Exactly after 8 years... What will I become in the next 8 years? Let the time answer.