Some time ago I did something I had dreamed about.
I delivered a TED talk.
How did it happen?
Public speaking
I started being interested in public speaking in high school. I wanted to become good at it. I volunteered for school presentations, started reading books and articles on the subject.
Then I heard about Toastmasters. A non-profit organisation where you learn how to speak. I committed myself, going through the educational program as quickly as possible. I took part in the International Speech Contest, winning on 3 consecutive levels. That exposed me to the world-class competition. I was only 19 at the time.
After that, I started speaking out of Toastmasters. I was delivering training sessions on public speaking and web-writing for media people. I didn't get paid for that, but I enjoyed it.
The problem was that speaking about public speaking is an oversaturated market. I had the delivery skills, but not much to convey.
I needed to become an expert on something.
I started writing a blog about coffee, taking part in competitions and became a part of the coffee world.
People started to associate me with coffee.
I've become a trainer. That was my goal before I got into coffee. However, even with the public speaking background, it wouldn't be possible without full commitment.
A typical cheeky polish way of asking somebody to do something.
I didn't feel ready. I didn't feel good enough. I almost rejected this opportunity.
Fortunately, my mentor convinced me I have something interesting to say.
The speech sparked a lengthy conversation at the conference. People were genuinely interested. My goal has been achieved.
I know my TED wasn't perfect. I didn't prepare as much as I should. But it is one of the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.
Pictures - courtesy of TEDxBielsko-Biala
After that, I started speaking out of Toastmasters. I was delivering training sessions on public speaking and web-writing for media people. I didn't get paid for that, but I enjoyed it.
The problem was that speaking about public speaking is an oversaturated market. I had the delivery skills, but not much to convey.
I needed to become an expert on something.
Coffee
In the meantime, I started working as a barista. I fell in love with coffee. I left the university, decided I want a career in coffee and forgot about public speaking altogether.I started writing a blog about coffee, taking part in competitions and became a part of the coffee world.
People started to associate me with coffee.
I've become a trainer. That was my goal before I got into coffee. However, even with the public speaking background, it wouldn't be possible without full commitment.
TEDx
One day, I opened my inbox and I couldn't believe what I've seen."Hey, what are you doing on TEDxBielsko-Biala and why do you have a speech about coffee?"
A typical cheeky polish way of asking somebody to do something.
I didn't feel ready. I didn't feel good enough. I almost rejected this opportunity.
Fortunately, my mentor convinced me I have something interesting to say.
The speech sparked a lengthy conversation at the conference. People were genuinely interested. My goal has been achieved.
I know my TED wasn't perfect. I didn't prepare as much as I should. But it is one of the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.
Pictures - courtesy of TEDxBielsko-Biala
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