In the first of several short, bite-sized solo episodes on TEDx Talks, Estelle Erasmus shares the exact strategy behind her own talk—how she discovered the right idea, built a strong structure, and delivered a message that resonated with thousands. Whether you're applying to give a talk or refining one you’ve already booked, this episode offers practical tools to help your TEDx Talk connect, teach, and stick.

In this episode:

• What TEDx organizers look for (and what to avoid) [2:21]

• Why your talk needs an idea—not just a personal story [3:58]

• Tips for blending story, research, and message [6:43]

• The three teaching tenets Estelle builds her talk around [7:27]

• Why circling back to your opening creates resonance [7:34]

If you haven’t yet—watch my TEDx Talk:

How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond

In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, I blend personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies I’ve developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.

📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

About Estelle:
Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a “Best Book for Writers” by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she’s written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

Explore More:

Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book: https://rb.gy/0dpdcs

Audiobook version: https://tinyurl.com/yskfj2zv

Subscribe on Substack for craft tips, pitch advice, and podcast extras: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com

Latest posts: “Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story—And a Bonus for Paid Subscribers.” and “How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen”

Listen to more episodes of Freelance Writing Direct: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

Follow Estelle:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social