Booking My First TEDx Talk

Dive: Artist - Speaker (TEDx)
Description: Sharing an "Idea that Matters" on a TEDx stage
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Has booked an official TEDx conference.
Certified On: Jul 22, 2025

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Monroe Mann Break Diving Level: Level 2 Number of Certified Dives: 17 From: United States In: United States

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

This was something I always wanted to do, for more than 20 years. It was also something that others suggested I do. Every year, I'd hear, "Monroe, you should be a TEDx speaker!" "You should do a TED talk!" Etc. In 2022, my students at EF were saying the same thing. I finally decided to pursue it.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

Once I was finally committed, it took less than a month to get booked. But... that's not the whole story. I had tried getting booked once before, about 10 years ago, and it didn't work at all. I got no responses. So it took 1 month or 10 years, depending on how you frame it.

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The cost. I spent so much money joining this bootcamp to help me book it. It was a lot of money, and I still haven't earned any money from speaking as a result. So I'm still in the hole thousands of dollars. I don't recommend anyone spend a lot of money to get help booking a TEDx, because it won't be worth it.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

I applied their method (which is basically applying to every TEDx you can find) and it worked. Once I got in the rhythm of applying, it was easy, and before you know it, after 108 applications, I finally got an invite, to TEDxNYU.

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

I actually got a few invites. Right after I got invited to TEDxNYU, and I accepted, I received another invite from TEDxHartford. Looking back, I think I should have dropped out of NYU and gone to the Hartford one. I think it would have been a better experience.

My advice: Accept whichever one you can get, but look at the prior TEDx speakers from the events if you get multiple invites, and choose based on which one you think will serve you better. I would also speak to the producers themselves and interview them to determine which is going to be promoted better. Stuff like that.

Finally, make sure you create an amazing 1-minute audition video. And an awesome bio. Those two things are going to help you a lot when applying.

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

You can hire me to help you book a TEDx. I won't charge nearly as much as anyone else. :D

Resource 1: Monroe Mann Law & Finance - You can hire me to help you book a TEDx

Resource 2: My First TEDx Talk - I hope this inspires you!

Resource 3: My Second TEDx Talk - I hope this inspires you some more!

Resource 4: -

Resource 5: -

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

When I got the email from TEDxNYU, I didn't want to open the email. I was scared.

A friend was with me. I asked him to open it and read it.

His eyes drooped and I saw his mouth frown.

I said, "Didn't get it, huh?" I was very sad.

He suddenly changed his expression, "I'm just kidding! You got it! You got selected!"

I was very happy that day.

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

Yes! I've actually already done two TEDx talks so I may as well keep on certifying!

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No Rules. No Excuses. No Regrets.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Monroe Mann is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Artist - Speaker (TEDx) - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 872

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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