In an unexpected turn of events, Illinois teacher Adam Peterson found himself on the TEDx stage after a classroom kindness initiative gained significant attention online. What began as a small project blossomed into a profound opportunity to share his insights and experiences with a broader audience.
His TEDx talk, titled “Be the Yellow,” draws inspiration from the vibrant memory of a colleague known for her unyielding positivity. Featured on a TEDx stage in Illinois a few years ago, Adam now reflects on his journey and the valuable lessons he learned along the way in this insightful Q&A. If public speaking, TEDx events, or even presenting at conferences piques your interest, this is a must-read.
To explore more of Adam’s work, visit his website at Adam Peterson Education.
Q: What motivated you to create a TEDx Talk?
My TEDx journey actually started long before my talk. It began in my classroom, where I created a YouTube video showcasing our school’s efforts to promote kindness. The video quickly gained traction, garnering views and shares from educators worldwide. I wanted to share this message with a wider audience beyond the educational realm, and I believed the TEDx platform was the perfect avenue for that.
Q: Was delivering a TEDx Talk a lifelong aspiration for you?
It wasn’t necessarily a lifelong dream, but I’ve always enjoyed watching TEDx and TED Talks. As I began giving presentations to fellow educators at conferences, my passion for public speaking grew. Naturally, I became interested in speaking on a larger platform like TEDx.
Q: How did you choose your topic?
The inspiration for my talk came after the passing of my close friend and teaching partner, Honor, who bravely battled cancer. Her positivity and resilience inspired hope in those around her. Her favorite color was yellow, which became a symbol of her uplifting spirit. I even wrote a children’s book in her honor, celebrating her positivity and the joy associated with the color yellow.
In her memory, we established a yearly celebration called Yellow Day at our school. When it came time to craft my TEDx Talk, I wanted to share a message that encouraged everyone, not just educators, to spread kindness, which is the essence of Be the Yellow.
Q: What was the process like for perfecting your talk?
The experience was genuinely enjoyable! Once I was selected as a speaker, I was paired with a fantastic coach. After drafting my talk and practicing it independently, I engaged in several virtual sessions with my coach to rehearse and fine-tune the presentation. What I appreciated most was that my coach never tried to alter my message or voice; instead, they helped me shape it to resonate with a diverse audience.
Q: Given the competitive nature of TEDx, how was your application and selection process?
When people ask for advice on speaking at TEDx, I always emphasize the importance of being unapologetically authentic! Your idea needs to be original and heartfelt so that the audience can connect with it on a personal level. I stumbled upon a social media ad seeking speakers and decided to apply. The application process was relatively straightforward, but the waiting period for acceptance was certainly nerve-wracking.
Q: Why is a TEDx Talk a valuable opportunity for educators?
A TEDx Talk allows educators to share their ideas beyond the confines of their classrooms. If you have a message that you believe can impact others, pursue it! There are countless stories and initiatives occurring in classrooms that hold significance for those outside the education sector. The TEDx stage is an ideal platform for reaching audiences who might not engage with your work otherwise.
My TEDx experience has positively influenced my career, leading me to opportunities to speak not only to fellow educators but also to children. I’ve been invited to speak at numerous children’s assemblies, connecting with incredible individuals I would never have encountered without TEDx.
Q: As an experienced presenter, how did that background assist you?
While my public speaking background certainly helped, it didn’t make the process effortless. In typical presentations, I move around the room, but for my TEDx Talk, I had to stay within the designated red circle, which was quite a challenge! Teachers are generally comfortable presenting due to their daily interactions with students, but if anxiety arises, I firmly believe that speaking from the heart can ease those nerves.
Q: What advice would you give teachers interested in public speaking at conferences and keynotes?
Once again, I emphasize the importance of being genuine! Your ideas hold value, and they will resonate more deeply when your audience can feel your authenticity. To get started, I suggest following the path I took: apply to present at a local conference that welcomes session proposals.
I embarked on this journey over a decade ago at a conference I wished to attend but my school wouldn’t support. I discovered that presenting allowed me to attend for free. So, I signed up to share a writing strategy I had implemented with my students. It went well, and I was invited back the following year. The rest, as they say, is history, and public speaking has since become a significant part of my career. If you have an idea, go ahead and share it with others—you never know where it might lead!
Q: What’s an aspect of the TEDx experience that often goes unmentioned?
One surprising aspect was the connections I made with fellow speakers at the TEDx event. The day before the event, we gathered for a rehearsal and shared dinner, fostering conversations that blossomed into friendships. I formed bonds with individuals from across the nation—connections I would not have made without TEDx.
Q: Is there anything else we should know about TEDx?
You might doubt the significance of your idea or its potential to resonate with others, but you’ll never know unless you take the leap. If you’re passionate about your idea, sharing it on a TEDx stage can highlight its value and help it flourish!
Plus, check out these Must-Watch TED Talks for Kids and Teens.
Also, explore this teacher’s story: One Teacher, 120 Notes, and a Whole Bunch of Happy Middle Schoolers!
