TEDxSeattle Speaker Content Coach

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TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxSeattle , where x = independently organized TED event.

TEDxSeattle is one of the first and longest running TEDx events in the world. Now we are proud to say it is one of the largest as well. What started in 2010 as a single-day event called TEDxRainier with an audience of 600 people has evolved into TEDxSeattle with an audience that now fills McCaw Hall’s 2,800 seat auditorium.

The TEDxSeattle organization and annual event is a 100% volunteer-run and self-supporting nonprofit and we are currently looking for a Speaker Content Coach to join our team! The Speaker Content Coach will work as a member of the greater Speaker Team. This is an essential role within the organization and requires a person who is forward-thinking, engaged with current affairs, tenacious, and able to commit to the workload. A background in speech writing or editing is required. The primary role of the Coach is to work directly with one to three speakers as a guide in shaping their talks and preparing the speaker to inhabit their written words.

Why participate? Gain the satisfaction of being a critical part of a large, influential event tied to a global brand. Open doors with the Seattle business community of thinkers and doers. Get a powerful resume builder. Serve as an integral part of a supportive, passion-driven volunteer-run community. Be involved with an organization offering a long track record of game-changing events and building community.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Working directly with 1-3 speakers for 6-months while you lead them through the journey of transforming their single, powerful idea into a 12-16-min world-class TED Talk.
• Guide your speakers through several rewrites of their talk by providing productive feedback while ensuring their idea still remains their own.
• Support the rest of the Speaker Coaching team by providing input on the content of other speakers.
• Attend weekly team meetings (virtual and remote) with fellow speaker coaches.
• Ensure you and your speakers meet all required deadlines.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience as a professional speechwriter, speaking coach, or communications director.
• Deep knowledge of TED and TEDx talks.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and grammar skills.
• Self-directed with an ability to collaborate and thrive in small team environment

Time Commitment

• 6-8 months prior to event - 1-2 hours per week
• 1-5 months prior to event - 4-6 hours per week