50 Comments

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

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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?

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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.

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Such an EXCELLENT question! 👂🏻👂🏻👂🏻

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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!

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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.

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

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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?

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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.

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Love it!

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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/

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

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

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I do like that vintage look

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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!

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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!!

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

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

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

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Yes, tell us about your broach ♥️

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It is vintage and I got in on eBay

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

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Like a whole chicken and a pizza

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Molly is actually my spirit animal.

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