Episode Details

In this episode, we go inside the delivery and construction of a popular TED Talk! Elise Hu gets real with us about the preparation and challenges that go into taking complex ideas and molding them to fit a tightly delivered speech.

Elise is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and ‌author based in Los Angeles. She’s the host of TED Talks Daily, Accenture’s Built for Change, and a co-host of Forever 35. And if that’s not enough, she also co-founded the LA-based podcast production company, Reasonable Volume to work with brands and companies tell their stories better. She spent time at Vice News and NPR, serving as their first-ever Seoul bureu chief. She released her first book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital in 2023.

Elise and I discuss: 

• How to react when the audience response isn’t what you expected
• What goes into crafting an exceptional talk, tightly told
• Our shared love for Anthony Bourdain (I know, shocker)
• The “peak/end rule” in storytelling and journalism
• And the power of a callback. 

We also unpack why observation is the key to being a great storyteller, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for any truly compelling speech.

I imagine you (like me) will be endlessly enthralled by Elise’s curiosity, wisdom, and charm. Happy listening!

Connect with Elise on her website and Linkedin

Grab a copy of her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital

Listen to Elise on your favorite podcasts 

And watch her TED Talk here

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For a limited time, registrants get my bonus masterclass, Booking Better Stages, all about marketing, selling, and booking yourself as a speaker, whether you want to get paid to speak or drive business another way through your talks. 

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CONNECT:

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This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

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ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn