The biggest barrier to getting on the TEDx stage is time. You are very unlikely to get the first event you apply to, or the second, or the fifth. But don’t give up- keep refining your idea and KEEP APPLYING!

Are you planning to do a TEDx one day or are you applying today?

Tessa says goodbye to life on a Sailboat in the Caribbean.

Anyone who says they can get you a TED talk is not being strictly honest with you… unless they are a TEDx organizer of course!

What I can do though is provide the quickest shortcut you’re likely to get.

Nobody wakes up being an incredible public speaker.

It takes time, it takes practice, and I'm afraid it takes a good number of talks that really don't go that well.

But each one you do will be better than the last.

As an entrepreneur and business owner it is so tempting to think you have to be ALL IN, ALL THE TIME.

You don't. You need and deserve a break. You don't have to take another job, but I assure you your business will survive if you take a month, or 6months, away from it.

Not every idea is a TED talk.

TED is amazing but it’s not the be all and end all.

If you’re thinking of making speaking a part of your business, the best use of your energy might be to start developing your signature talk before your TEDx talk.

Your signature talk might not be as high profile, but it will get you paid!

I live on a sail boat. It’s magical and challenging in equal measure.

One thing I love is how it forces me to reevaluate the many critical parts of myself and my life.

What can you learn when you’re forced to do the same?

A great talk is like a cake.

One slice is enough- rich, but not dense. Sweet, but not sickly. Memorable and leaving you wanting more.

Writing a short speech still needs all the ingredients as a long one- just packed down to that perfect amount.

Writing a great speech or presentation is hard because there is so much you could talk about.

Without direction you can sit for days in front of your computer.

These 4 questions will help you jump start your writing process.

There are so many ways to share an idea, present a topic, tell your story... and my job is to help you say it in the most effective, engaging way possible.

We don’t eat chips because of the ingredients- we eat them because of how they make us feel. (I swear I’m going to open a pack of ruffles for breakfast at this rate)

A great speech should be the same. It needs to make us feel something!

Before you start applying to Speaking gigs you’re going to need your speaker toolkit- learn what’s in it and how to make yours stand out.

So how much do you actually get paid as a speaker?

Learn what to expect depending on your experience.

So how do you actually start your career as a paid speaker?

If you are speaking for the first time my advice is always to start small - start local - start free.

You know you really want to be a speaker, but what kind of speaker do you want to be?

The type of speaker you are will determine the events you choose to speak at and how much money you can earn.

There’s so many ways speaking can grow your impact, but getting started is hard.

If you want to make speaking part of your business, first you need to really understand WHY?

You’re smart, confident, capable, experienced...

Why does the thought of standing up and talking in front of people seem so horrifying?