"TED Talk" is in quotations because I did not perform an actual TED Talk (don't want any copyright issues with the fine folks at TED). But I did do my best simulation of one.

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Technology, Entertainment, Design (or TED) Talks are intellectually stimulating presentations that can be on any subject. Speakers usually prepare about 18 minutes, and they often use images/graphics to supplement their talk. Given that TED Talks are fairly intellectual and academic, I focused on analyzing our sports culture more than on my own personal story. I do, however, use my story to gain credibility to speak on the issue. My "TED Talk" was a bit on the longer side, but still within range. And just like the pros, I used statistical graphics and images to engage the audience and further my argument.

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Composing my presentation was challenging for all the reasons that you'd expect. I had a limited amount of time to discuss a very complicated (and somewhat controversial) issue, I had to figure out how to structure my talk in a logical way, and when it came time to get ready for the talk, I had to rehearse but not memorize. For the most part, I knew how to approach these obstacles. Building the structure and making a succinct argument are the same issues that I'd always dealt with in writing. And I'd given enough presentations to feel confident in my preparation. The real challenges came with actually executing the talk.

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When it dawned on me that I needed a camera, tripod, and microphone to deliver my "TED Talk," I had a moment of panic. I had little experience with the equipment, and I didn't even know where to obtain these materials. I also needed a place to actually perform my "TED Talk," and an audience to fill some of the seats. I was more apprehensive about these aspects of the project than I was about the actual content.

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But soon enough, I found out about a wonderful place called the ISS Media Center, where I was able to get all the equipment that I needed. I spent an embarrassing amount of time learning how to work the camera and tripod, but eventually I figured it out. My writing instructor helped me reserve a lecture hall, and I made a Facebook event to invite friends to my talk. I didn't expect many responses, but a handful of people (who I will be forever grateful for) decided to come.

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Once I was all set up with what I needed, I rehearsed for the longest presentation that I'd ever given. One take, no edits. Live audience. Gotta love it.

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The "TED Talk" was far from perfect. There was some repetition, I lost my train of thought at one point, and there are certain aspects of my speaking delivery that I would tweak if I were to do it again. But overall, I made my points and avoided any huge mishaps. And most important, this "TED Talk" gave me a chance to impact a live audience. If I changed even one audience member's perspective or if I made just one person consider something new, then my work was meaningful. Click on the button to the right, and hopefully my "TED Talk" can have an impact on you too.