569: The Power of a Viral TEDx Talk with Ashley Stahl

Could a TEDx talk really unlock life-changing opportunities for you? 

In this episode of Influence By Design, Samantha Riley is joined by Ashley Stahl who was catapulted to success by the increased visibility and expert-level reputation through her viral TEDx talk.

Ashley shares her own incredible journey of how giving a TEDx talk early in her career launched her into entrepreneurship, allowing her to build a successful e-learning business that generated $6 million in revenue over just two months. 

Despite later experiencing challenges that led to burnout and debt, Ashley’s decision to pursue a second TEDx talk reignited her career. Her talk went viral, earning her a speaking agent, sponsorship deals, and allowing her to triple her keynote fees.

Ashley dives deep into the art of crafting a TEDx talk that resonates, emphasising the importance of a compelling opening story or conversational piece to hook the audience. She stresses the need to provide an original perspective rather than simply recycling general information. Ashley also discusses the criteria for being selected as a TEDx speaker, advising that continuity across one’s personal brand is essential, even if you don’t consider yourself a subject matter expert yet.

Throughout the conversation, Ashley generously shares tips on everything from writing techniques to memorisation strategies and delivery. She emphasises the critical balance between purposeful writing and powerful delivery, reminding listeners that TEDx talks must connect with a broad, general audience. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How Ashley got booked for her first TEDx talk (01:18)
• Ashley’s wins and losses after her first TEDx talk (04:08)
• Ashley’s second TEDx talk that went viral (04:58)
• What Wise Whisper is all about (06:37)
• The importance of the TEDx talk topic for coaches and healers (07:26)
• Two factors that help make a TEDx talk go viral (10:30)
• How to stand out by having a different perspective and being unique in the way you deliver your content (12:55)
• Who are the people who should consider applying for a TEDx Talk? (16:06)
• How to start if you’re thinking about getting on the TEDx stage (18:41)
• How much of a TEDx talk is about getting the script right and how much of it is the preparation once that talk is written (19:57)

QUOTES

“If you go viral, which I’m learning is just as much of an art as it is a science, you attract so many opportunities you never would have attracted. And it can be truly life changing for your career.” – Ashley Stahl

“Relevance is resonance. So the deepest thing to do is really ask yourself, ‘Am I moved by what I’m saying? Do I feel deeply what I’m saying?’” – Ashley Stahl

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ABOUT ASHLEY STAHL

Ashley Stahl is the founder of Wise Whisper Ghostwriting house, where she has helped more than 40 changemakers write their TEDx talks– and she has gotten 39 of those clients booked on the TEDx stage. As a counterterrorism professional who worked under the Obama Administration turned entrepreneur and international bestselling author of the book called YOU TURN: Get Unstuck, Discover Your Direction, Design Your Dream Career, she’s passionate about helping others share authentic wisdom and stories that deeply inspire their audiences. With nearly 9 million views, her TED talk is ranked amongst the top 100 on the Internet, and her show, The You Turn Podcast, is ranked amongst the top 100 mental health shows in the United States. Her most important message is this: don’t do what you love, do what you ARE. Visit ashleystahl.com/tedx to learn more about how Ashley and her team can help you write and book your TEDx talk.

WHERE TO FIND ASHLEY STAHL

• Website: https://www.ashleystahl.com/tedx/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleystahl/ 
• Twitter/X:  https://twitter.com/ashleystahl
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_EJPBDX80P95yOgMkjEVKQ

CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA RILEY

Facebook: Samantha Riley

Instagram: @thesamriley

LinkedIn: Samantha Riley

Twitter: @thesamriley