50 Comments
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Gina S Meyer's avatar

I bet they chose you to go last, because they knew you’d have the best message.

Danielle Fuller's avatar

TED Talks typically come across as extremely polished, focused, and impactful. What requirements, parameters, rules, etc. did your presentation need to meet to be considered "on-brand" for them?

Sharon McMahon's avatar

Great question. In addition to it being carefully timed, you have to submit your talk to them in advance so they can give you feedback to see if it’s what they are looking for. They want to make sure you can get to an impactful point in the short amount of time (18 min). You also have to submit your slide deck in advance, go to rehearsals where they give you feedback, attend meetings in advance, and more.

Naomi's avatar

Such an EXCELLENT question! 👂🏻👂🏻👂🏻

Jessica Baer-Graves's avatar

I cannot wait to see this TED talk once it’s released! I LOVED the keynote you shared last year from the event in Utah- you have such a magnetic public speaking style and powerful message, I know it’ll be just what we need to center ourselves during these unprecedented times! Thank you for ALL you do!

Jonathon Wurth's avatar

Where'd you get that eagle pin (brooch? I don't know) from? My wife and I have been talking about how to reclaim patriotic symbolism. I mean, we do love living here. It's a pretty cool country, and the freedom we have to dissent and to build a life of our choosing is nearly miraculous.

Deb G.'s avatar

I have had this same conversation with friends! How do we go about making American symbols acceptable to everyone again?!

Jonathon Wurth's avatar

Awesome! The first thing that comes to my mind is making theses symbols elegant. Like with the eagle brooch. It's time to accessorize.

Can anyone share links to some fashionable patriotic attire?

Sharon McMahon's avatar

I got it on eBay! It’s vintage, from the 60s. Antique stores have SO MANY brooches/pins, as do Etsy and eBay. And I agree, I have started a small collection of pins that have subtle (or in this case more overt) symbolism.

Abbey Lockwood's avatar

This intrigues me too! My first thought was Etsy- they aren’t top shelf, but have vintage ones like this https://www.etsy.com/listing/1693082896/

Jonathon Wurth's avatar

For those who like ties (like myself), this one looks pretty nice:

https://www.brooksbrothers.com/eagle-patterned-tie/MA03140.html

Jonathon Wurth's avatar

I do like that vintage look

Karin Smith's avatar

Cannot wait to see your TED Talk! If ever there was a voice of reason created for these times, it’s yours. Also, how ‘Ginny agrees’ turned into ‘Chilean Greece’ made me burst out laughing!

Pamella's avatar

You are an intelligent light in front of and off camera. Thank you for sharing behind the scenes and your insights.

Tasha Antonakos's avatar

Omg I love the waiting room was literally a boiler room!!!

Sharon McMahon's avatar

Well they did have nicer accommodations, and I made use of them. But I could not find a quiet place, so I went into a closet.

Amy Moll's avatar

I’m so excited to watch your presentation! What were some of the democracy-related topics that you and other presenters spoke about?

Sharon McMahon's avatar

Some people talked about the future of AI and democracy, how former Soviet countries view democracy, democracy and news consumption, democracy and access to healthcare, and more.

Rita Jelle's avatar

..and I ❤️ your dogs.. especially when they talk.

Rita Jelle's avatar

I am so looking forward to seeing your TED talk.. and you look fabulous in that color !

Vicki's avatar

How exciting!! Can’t wait to see it!

And , you look extremely put-together and very at-ease in your presentation. They saved the BEST for last.

Anne Brumme's avatar

Thanks and I'm sure you did so well! It's great to see everyday people and behind-the-scenes shots before the fully-finished version. Also, that pink outfit looked great!!

tracylynn77's avatar

Thank you for sharing! Cannot wait to see it! 👏🩷

Cynthia S's avatar

Looking forward to seeing it! Your messages are always spot on and I’m confident this one will be as well.

Carly Owens's avatar

THAT PINK SUIT! 🩷🩷🩷 excellent choice! What’s the story of the broach you chose?

Shawnna OakParkVeggie's avatar

Yes, tell us about your broach ♥️

Sharon McMahon's avatar

It is vintage and I got in on eBay

Maria Williams's avatar

Can't wait to see it! I am sure you did so well! What did Molly eat while you were gone?!?

Sharon McMahon's avatar

Like a whole chicken and a pizza

Pam W's avatar

Molly is actually my spirit animal.