If you have doing a TEDx talk on your list, you’ll need a TED-worthy idea, an “idea worth spreading.” How do you know if you have a *really good* idea for a speech, one that’s going to make an impact, whether it’s for TEDx or a keynote? In this episode, my guest Lori DiGuardi, a TEDx and professional speaker, and I discuss: What makes a great talk How an “idea” is different from a “topic” How Lori came up with her TEDx idea Why people are chosen and aren’t chosen as TEDx speakers Questions to ask yourself as you work through your idea How to handle nerves when giving an important talk, including what happened to Lori during dress rehearsal (you’ve already heard my story of TEDx nerves in episode 92) And more. About My Guest: Lori DiGuardi is a visionary leader. She is a TEDx and professional speaker, and a TEDx and certified life coach. Courageous women hire Lori to reconnect and give voice to their inner-truth. The foundation of her work is based on a life of poverty and abuse as a child and young woman, to becoming an international empowerment leader for over 22 years. Her audiences have included business professionals, educators, students, entrepreneurs, dignitaries and royalty. She was awarded an MS in Leadership, a Black Belt in Karate, and Service Above Self for her humanitarian work in Uganda. She is author of Anger 101: The Healthy Approach to Being a Bitch. The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs and workshops at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/95 Speaking Your Brand Facebook page and Facebook Live show Check out Lori’s website: https://www.loridiguardi.com/ Free PDF guide: https://www.loridiguardi.com/tedx/ Watch Lori’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/2rhYlDKO_2U Subscribe to Lori’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/LeadWithPersonalPower/ Marianne Williamson’s speech at the Washington Cathedral: https://youtu.be/e7ZV0REbpkQ Book recommendation: “Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger” by Rebecca Traister Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Ready to create your TEDx talk or signature talk? Email me at [email protected] or click here to schedule a call. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts and leave a review! Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 24: What It Takes to Do a TEDx Talk with Tammy Lally Episode 56: How to Become a TEDx Speaker with Tamsen Webster Episode 91: Visibility Works: From Local Speaking to TED.com to a Book with Tammy Lally Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk - Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.