TEDx Coaching & Speaker Authority

Great ideas require precision, partnership, and preparation.

High-touch TEDx coaching with Tara LaFon Gooch, whose own TEDx talk has 415K+ views. From application to standing ovation.

▶

Watch Tara's TEDx talk: 415K+ views

2,000,000+

TEDx views and counting

Total views on the TEDx talks I've coached my clients to land.

The problem

Most talks fail before the speaker steps on stage.

01

Weak positioning

02

Unclear ideas

03

Poor structure

04

Nervous delivery

Big stages expose small preparation.

What I saw on my own TEDx stage

When I gave my TEDx talk, two speakers on the same stage weren't ready, and their talks were never published. More than six months of work, and they didn't reach the finish line because they didn't have a coach.

Landing the talk is step one. Getting it published and seen is the goal.

Why I coach TEDx speakers

I've stood in the red circle. I know what it takes.

My international TEDx talk was only my third speech ever on stage. That alone proves you don't need years of speaking experience to land this dream.

I had six months to prepare before flying to England. I invested in a coach. On the day of the event, the speaker right before me bombed their talk. So did the speaker right after me. I was the only one of us who had a coach. My talk went viral.

As I looked out into the audience, I saw the disappointed faces of their relatives, neighbors, and colleagues, and of course, the speakers themselves.

I swore I would never let that happen to anyone I worked with.

That same year, I wrote my second book, Talk Your Way to the Top, and began working with Harvey Castro, MD, MBA, who went on to deliver 5 TEDx talks in 12 months. That's when I realized I didn't just know how to succeed as a speaker myself. I knew how to help others succeed too.

Through that journey, I learned the real goal isn't just landing a TEDx talk. It's getting your talk published. Neither of the two speakers who shared the stage with me that day had their talks published.

Hire a coach who has done what you seek to do.

Anyone can give advice about the TEDx stage. I've landed an international TEDx talk, delivered it, seen it go viral, and helped my clients do the same. When you work with me, you're learning from someone who has walked the exact path you're about to take.

Tara on the TEDxMaidMarianWay stage, England. 415K+ views.

Watch: Want to give a TEDx talk? Start here.

The process

A proven path to the red circle.

I coach my 1:1 clients until they land a TEDx talk. Not a set number of applications. Not a set number of months. Until you are booked.

01

Refine your idea

Shape your expertise into one clear, compelling throughline worth spreading.

02

Apply until you land

We target aligned events and keep applying together until you land your TEDx talk.

03

Write your talk

Craft a story-driven talk with an opening that puts the audience right in the middle of the problem you solve.

04

Prepare for the stage

Coaching support in stage presence, confidence, and preparation so you walk into the red circle ready.

05

Market your talk

Turn your talk into lasting authority, including a PR feature to amplify your message.

Speaker Leads List

Delivered every Monday: 20 to 35 curated speaking opportunities, including conferences and TEDx openings. Free for 12 months for all coaching clients.

Not ready for coaching? Get the Speaker Leads List →
Talk Your Way To The Top Book Jacket

The book

Talk Your Way to the Top.

The step-by-step playbook to land, write, and market your TEDx talk, from the strategist behind 2M+ TEDx views for her clients.

★★★★★  4.7 out of 5 from 58 Amazon reviews

How to land a TEDx talk

How to write a talk that resonates

How to market your talk after the stage

Foreword by John Tarantino, whose TEDx talk reached 23M views, with insights from fellow TEDx speakers.

What readers say

Loved by speakers, leaders, and TEDx alumni.

★★★★★

“This book truly feels like a mountaineer's guide for those daring to step onto the TED stage. It's a mountain worth climbing and an idea worth sharing.”

Paul Gustavson

Amazon review

★★★★★

“A must-read for anyone looking to take their public speaking to the next level. This book will give you the tools and confidence to shine on any stage.”

Claudio

Amazon review

★★★★★

“A TEDx is like no other talk and I wish I would have had this guide before I did mine. It would have saved me so much time.”

Doug Thompson

Amazon review

★★★★★

“Like a cheat code for anyone who dreams of giving a TEDx talk or becoming a better public speaker. It's motivating, practical, and honestly life-changing.”

Benjamin

Amazon review

★★★★★

“Being a TEDx speaker myself, this book is packed with powerful information and covers every aspect of preparing for and delivering a TEDx talk.”

Emilio Justo, MD

Amazon review

★★★★★

“A game-changer for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and take their career to the next level.”

Jami Lough

Amazon review

★★★★★

“Practical tips on how to give a TEDx talk and build a brand through speaking. The book gave me the courage to give a TED talk near my hometown.”

Brandon Leuang

Amazon review

★★★★★

“Each page confirms that Tara is clearly a master of branding. A clear roadmap for landing and delivering a successful TEDx talk.”

HK

Amazon review

★★★★★

“Tara's most recent book gives you a roadmap to success as a public speaker. It inspires you to be your best, tell your story, motivate others and be fulfilled.”

John A. Tarantino

Amazon review

★★★★★

“A must-read for anyone looking to elevate their speaking career and entrepreneurial journey. A game-changer for aspiring speakers and entrepreneurs alike!”

Amna

Amazon review

★★★★★

“A phenomenal book! Lots of tips, tricks, and strategies to help me not only improve my speaking skills but grow my confidence in those skills.”

Rachael

Amazon review

★★★★★

“The real-world insights and inspiring stories make this book both motivating and practical. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned speaker, it delivers real value.”

DW

Amazon review

★★★★★

“A comprehensive playbook for anyone who wants to deliver a TEDx talk that truly makes an impact and reaches a global audience.”

Jay & Deb

Amazon review

★★★★★

“An incredible roadmap for finding yourself on stage, presenting at a TEDx conference. I was blown away by the level of detail and thoughtful suggestions.”

Peter Bosse

Amazon review

★★★★★

“Empowering, insightful, and filled with valuable takeaways that can be applied immediately.”

Thomas G.

Amazon review

★★★★★

“An essential read for anyone ready to step onto the TEDx stage and amplify their message.”

Avid Reader

Amazon review

Personal partnership. Serious preparation.

High-touch TEDx coaching

Direct, hands-on work with Tara LaFon Gooch. We keep coaching you until you land the stage.

01

Application strategy and positioning

02

Idea refinement and throughline development

03

Talk structure and narrative clarity

04

Delivery, memorization, and stage readiness

05

Long-term strategic guidance

Apply for TEDx Coaching

Real client transformations

From idea to the red circle.

TEDx + Podcast

Amna Shabbir, MD

Landed her first TEDx talk

Launched Success Reimagined

Tripled her prices

Named one of the Women to Know in North Carolina

Read the story →

▶

Watch Susie

2 TEDx talks · under 90 days

Dr. Susie Hansley, PhD

Refined her message on trauma, triggers, and healing, then secured talks at a women's event and in Los Angeles.

Read the story →

First TEDx talk

Marques Ogden

Former NFL player and keynote speaker. Took the TEDxUofTMississauga stage on April 25, 2026.

Read the story →

On the red circle

Tara with her clients on the TEDx stage.

Dr. Harvey Castro at TEDxWarrenton

Amna Shabbir, MD at TEDx Raleigh

Liza Marie Garcia at TEDxSugarCreekWomen

Dr. Gina Anderson at TEDxSugarCreekWomen

Priyanka Venugopal, MD at TEDx Jefferson University

Megghan Thompson at TEDxSugarCreekWomen

Record-setting client

Harvey Castro, MD: 5 TEDx talks in 12 months.

A record number of TEDx talks delivered in a single year. Watch them all.

▶

Watch: Dr. Harvey Castro on working with us

TEDxWarrenton

How AI and humans can revolutionize medicine together

TEDxPurdueU

Shifting perspectives: how AI is revolutionizing healthcare

TEDxSouthlake

How AI, satellites and edge tech keep your doctor close

TEDxAWC

Thriving before the emergency: the future of medicine with AI

TEDx talk

Blind chess and healthcare AI: what clinicians can learn

TEDx speakers we've coached

In their words.

▶︎ Watch video testimonial

"Most coaches want your business. Tara cared about my message as much as I did, and cared about ensuring it gets seen and helps people."

Dr. Susie Hansley, PhD

Chief Resilience Officer, TEDx speaker

"My first scripted speaking opportunity was with this TEDx and I nailed it. That is the power of having an expert coach in your corner."

Megghan Thompson, LCPC

TEDx speaker and author

▶︎ Watch video testimonial

"Quite honestly, I would not have achieved this milestone without her. Her coaching, insight, and unwavering support were invaluable."

Liza Marie Garcia

CEO and TEDx speaker

▶︎ Watch video testimonial

"Tara's guidance in shaping my TEDx talk has been instrumental in refining my message and ensuring that it resonates with the audience."

Nia Luckey

TEDx speaker, promoted, book deal, seen on TV

▶︎ Watch video testimonial 1

▶︎ Watch video testimonial 2

"If you're looking to grow your brand, book top-tier media opportunities, and make your voice heard on the biggest stages, I cannot recommend Tara highly enough."

Dr. Gina Anderson

4x Inc. 5000 CEO, bestselling author, learning scientist

"When I assembled my dream team for TEDx Sugar Creek Women, Tara LaFon Gooch was my first call."

Cara Truitt

TEDx producer, TEDxSugarCreekWomen

"I've already seen a ROO, ROI and a paid speaking opportunity through Tara's master guidance."

Frances Dean-Bishop

Founder and CEO, Inc. 5000 winner

"Tara is a font of incredible knowledge and THE person to have by your side as you build your confidence and prepare to deliver your Ted talk."

Tracy Clark, MCC

Coach to visionary founders

▶︎ Watch video testimonial

"It has been a true pleasure working with you. Thank you for helping me get my first TEDx talk!"

Harvey Castro, MD

5 TEDx talks in 12 months

▶︎ Watch video testimonial

"Before I talked to you, it felt like a faraway dream. You laid out the process and made it easy to follow."

Priyanka Venugopal, MD

Physician, TEDx Jefferson University

Straight from their feeds

The day they landed it.

"Tara is a font of incredible knowledge and THE person to have by your side as you build your confidence and prepare to deliver your TED talk."

Tracy Clark, MCC · Leadership coach to visionary founders

▶

Watch: Gratitude, The Foundation of Confidence

Coached by someone who's done it

415K+ views. Top 50 TEDx talks globally.

Tara's talk on gratitude and confidence reached a global audience. She brings that same playbook to every client.

Accepting the 2026 TEDx brand strategist award.

Watch Tara's Talk

▶

Watch: TEDx Masterclass with Tara LaFon Gooch

Free masterclass

Thinking about TEDx? Start here.

Watch Tara's TEDx masterclass to learn what organizers look for and how to shape an idea worth spreading.

Watch the Masterclass

FAQ

Questions speakers ask.

Do you guarantee a TEDx talk?

Event organizers make the final decision, so no one can honestly guarantee a stage. What we promise is coaching until you land it: a refined idea, targeted applications, and support through every round.

How long does the coaching program run?

Until you land your TEDx talk. Coaching isn't limited to a set number of applications or months.

Do you help me find TEDx events to apply to?

Yes. We identify the right-fit TEDx events and help you with your applications. Submitting them is your responsibility.

What if I've already been accepted?

Then we jump straight into writing your talk, preparation, and stage presence. No matter where you are in the process, you still need a coach and expert who has walked your path. When Tara gave her own TEDx talk, two speakers on the same stage weren't ready, and their talks were never published. After 6+ months of work, they didn't reach the finish line. Landing a talk is only step one. The real goal is getting it published and seen.

Is this the right time?

A TEDx talk amplifies a business that already works.

TEDx talks, podcasts, and books are authority pieces. They build credibility and increase demand for your work. They work best when you already have an established offer that has proven itself.

We review your whole brand, online presence, and offer, then shape the positioning and messaging so this work strengthens your entire ecosystem, not just one goal.

Ready? Apply to Work With Us

You're ready if you

Have an established offer that has proven itself

Bring in repeatable monthly recurring revenue

Want more credibility, thought leadership, and authority

Want a stronger pipeline and a bigger business

Not yet if

✕ Your business is brand new

✕ You're still figuring out what to sell

✕ You need an offer created from scratch

The Authority Ecosystem

Every channel reinforces the next.

Books, media, podcasts, and stages work as one system that compounds into influence and income.

01 →

Books

The foundation that fuels everything else.

02 →

Media

Validates your message and multiplies its reach.

03 →

Podcasting

Your owned platform. It builds trust at scale.

04 →

Speaking

Converts authority into influence.

05 →

Revenue

Influence that turns into income.

Your idea deserves the stage.

Start Your TEDx Journey