Live from TED2017

TED + Logitech: Announcing the Spotlight Presentation Academy

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Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is one of our best-known fears. Depending on who you ask or what study you consult, more people fear public speaking than death, snakes, heights and just about anything else.

We’re very familiar with this fear at TED — and we have a not-so-hidden secret approach to overcoming it: coaching. With the right approach, mindset and practice, we think anyone can learn how to improve their public speaking and presentation skills.

So today we’re happy to announce the Spotlight Presentation Academy, a special one-day boot camp created in partnership with Logitech, dedicated to giving 15 aspiring storytellers the confidence to crush every presentation.

Armed with Logitech’s Spotlight Presentation Remote — a next-generation remote gifted to all TED2017 attendees — the 15 selected participants will work with Bryn Freedman, editorial director and curator of the TED Institute, through a curriculum that includes storytelling immersion and structure. With workshops and one-on-one sessions, participants will refine their technique and get feedback on content and delivery. And they’ll even try their hand at sharing an idea on the stage at TED’s New York headquarters.

“With TED’s storytelling expertise and our Spotlight presentation remote in hand, this academy is going to produce some incredible public speakers,” says Bracken Darrell, CEO of Logitech, “Becoming a great public speaker is just a function of know-how, practice and easy tools that help you story tell without crazy stress.”

To submit an application, visit logitech.com/spotlightacademy. Complete a short questionnaire and upload a video that describes what aspect of presenting you’d like to improve, the big idea you’d like to share, and how better presentation skills can impact your life. The application deadline is May 22, 2017. Logitech and TED plan to select 15 aspiring storytellers on June 6, 2017 through an announcement on their social channels.