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Rosie Christie

🎙️ Public Speaking & Communication Coach ❌ TEDx organizer 💡 Leadership storytelling for entrepreneurs & executives

At the heart of all my work is the journey you are on, and how to tell that story and make it matter to others.


1) I am a public speaking coach who specializes in getting you a TEDx talk. I have been a TEDx organizer and coach for over a decade. Videos of speakers I've coached have been viewed over 2.5million times on YouTube.  I know what makes a great speech, I know what organizers are looking for and I can help you build a talk that matters. Is a TED talk on your bucket list? let's chat. 

2) I'm a pitch coach. At the heart of successful investment is getting someone else to care enough about your journey to want to join you on it. I work with founders to build a compelling pitch that investors can't ignore. 

3) I'm a Summer Camp director. The greatest gift you can give to your kid is a few weeks without technology, in the woods, surrounded by their peers and for 3 months of the year I get to make that happen for hundreds of kids. Making their own choices, defining their day and experiencing the world in nature and in community. The best part of that work is taking kids on multi day trips into the mountains, because learning how awesome you are and that you can do hard things is an incredible gift, and the earlier you learn it, the better off you'll be. 

4) I spent 2 years living on a sailboat with my family in the Caribbean. The Turas Project is where I talk about the journey I've been on and how to make the next big step that will make your crazy dream come true. I've been lucky enough to live a life of multitudes, and I'd love to talk to you about yours.  



If you have questions, thoughts or just a desire to talk about life, your stories and how to share them, I'd love to chat.

Tessa Rawson

There is little in life that can't be made better with googly eyes. 

Fight me if you will.


Also- I very much aspire to be someone who plans their posts a week in advance. I really do. 

But, seeing as I am not that person (yet)-  my thoughtfully considered, deeply meaningful content about TEDx will have to wait for a morning when:

- it is not my kiddo's Birthday (12 going on 22)
- It is not World Book Day (Last minute Pinnochio costume for the win)
- I'm not about to fly to the US for the American Camp Association Tri-State conference and having an existential crisis about the world. 

So, in brief: if doing a TEDx is on your vision board- call me. 

And go buy yourself a bag of googly eyes and just stick them on random stuff. You'll feel better about the world I promise.

Ask me how to get a TEDx talk | TEDx & pitch coach | Summer Camp Director | Former boat dweller & lifelong storyteller

We saw your video and made a thumbnail we think you’ll LOVE!


Your eyes are closed and your mouth is open. You look like you haven’t slept in a month and the vibe is a surprising mix of aggression and boredom. What do you think?


So help me content savvy friends- 

Surely there is an AI tool out there that can look through my zoom recording and automatically find a still of me smiling?

Any suggestions?

***
It was so amazing to see 47 🎉 of you at my TEDx masterclass on Monday - it was a deep dive into everything you need to know about getting on the TEDx stage. I can't wait to see all your amazing talks appear over the next year or two!

If you missed it and would like the recording, let me know and I’ll send it your way- you get it free for another 48 hours!

“There are no new ideas”

I’ve heard that so many times - and I call BS.


You haven't applied to TEDx because you think you don’t have anything new to say. 

You don’t have a cutting-edge piece of technology and you're not out there solving world hunger. 

So?

It doesn't mean you don't have an idea worthy of that stage. 


TEDx is not just about ideas that are radically new. 

There are 250,000 TED and TEDx talks out there, not because 1/4 million people have discovered something new, but because we are still looking for answers. 


There are so many problems in the world. And there are endless potential solutions.

- Maybe we haven’t thought of the right solution yet.
- Maybe we haven’t applied an existing solution to the right problem
- Maybe we haven’t put the right people or the right resources behind a known path. 
- Maybe we just haven't heard the solution articulated in the right way
- Maybe, the solution that didn’t work in 1996 is actually ideal for 2026. Of the one that worked in 1996 is no longer relevant.


TEDx talks highlight fresh approaches to enduring problems. 

TEDx speakers share ideas that energetically redefine the human experience. 


If you're struggling with what makes your idea new - think of a problem you would love to solve.

What's your perspective? How is it different from what's already being done? What tools would you use? What isn't being said? Why is your approach different or necessary?  What would the impact be if a hundred, a thousand, a million people thought this way or adopted your idea? 

That's your TEDx talk right there. 

Maybe it's not radically new, it doesn't mean your idea can't have a radical impact. 



***
Hi, I'm Tessa. I've been a TEDx organizer and coach since 2013. If you'd love to be on that stage but not sure what you'd say- I'd love to help https://lnkd.in/ep-T-zzG 

Also, this is an actual button my dad got my 9yr old for Christmas 🤔

"I would love to do a TEDx one day. I just need to figure out what I want to say."


I'd be mega bucks rich if Linkedin paid me everytime someone commented that on my posts.

And you're right- finding, knowing and deeply believing in your idea is the absolute key to getting on the TEDx stage. And the hardest part. (I know, I'm trying to do it for myself right now!)


Of the hundred or so people I've helped put on the red dot I can assure you they will all say - it's much easier to have someone help you figure it out than try to do it alone. 


So if you aren't sure what you want to say,  but know you really want to be on that stage, I can help. 

How?

I call it TED therapy. It's either the first session of my TEDx Pathway coaching program, or a one off we can do to help you figure out your idea. 

We go down all the rabbit holes, talk about everything you COULD say. And then we figure out the one you WANT to say.

That one thing, that gift- that given ten minutes, you know would make a difference.

What you're missing most is not the ideas- you're full of them- it's the confidence to choose one, and back it fully with the application that gets you on the stage. 

Working together will give you that confidence, and the confidence then guides your direction. 

Every day you don't get to grips with your idea, the further away that TEDx dream is. 

So, if you're ready to find your TEDx idea- let's chat https://lnkd.in/ep-T-zzG

There's no easy way to the TEDx stage. 

That doesn't mean there isn't a clear path. 

These are the four steps that will keep you ahead of the game, and if you want more detail and even clearer directions, there's only 2 days left to listen to my  TEDx Masterclass- How to get Your TEDx talk.

Register here to get the recording: https://lnkd.in/et9Sgnw6 


***
Hi, I'm Tessa! I've been a TEDx organizer and coach since 2013- I've prepped over 100 speakers for the TEDx stage. I know what makes a great talk and why good ideas get overlooked. Any questions about TEDx- just ask :)

How to get a TEDx talk in 4 steps

Are you a woman who owns a business?

Well... you should probably join me at the event I'm probably most excited about this year:

The incredible Laura Brunton's Ignited Women Event https://lnkd.in/eRUdTiBj 

It's not just another networking event, there's obviously incredible speakers on the day, but your ticket also gives you access to a virtual extravaganza that takes place over the entire month before the big event. 

Your next collaborator, mentor, business bestie and probably even ideal client are all going to be there. 

Grab your tickets now £222 or 4 x £55 (price increased 23rd Feb)

The Ignited Woman Event 
📅 Thursday, 14th May 2026
🕐 10am-6pm
📍30 Euston Square, London
 
I'll see you there!!

There will always be three versions of your talk-


- The talk you plan 
- The talk you give
- The talk you wish you had given


It’s rare that you’ll ever come off stage without wondering what you could have done differently, better. 

Even if you smash it- there will always be something that you think, oooh next time I’ll do that or say this.


Because no matter how much you practice, and how well rehearsed you are, being on the stage is just… different.

The joke (that you know is a good one) doesn’t land. The transition you thought was perfect is actually a little clunky, and the story you thought was best at the beginning you now KNOW will be the closer next time. 

And the real big one - the emotional impact.  

You’ll tell the same story 73 times in rehearsal without so much as sniffle. But on stage? All of a sudden your voice cracks and you get teary. You need to take a moment as you and the audience take in what you’ve just said. 

Telling your story and sharing words that matter in front of an audience is powerful. 

And the unexpected hit of emotion is incredible- but it can totally ruin your flow! 


The best way to close the gap between the talk you plan and the talk you wish you’d given is practice. Practice in front of real life people, not just your mirror. 

And remember, you’ll never close the gap completely, and that’s ok! You’re a human and the real joy of a speech is in the human connection with the audience not the perfection of the performance. 


***
Photo courtesy of the wonderful Adventures in Marketing and Vicki Watson Photography where I appear to be mainly hair. But very happy as talking to my now IRL friend and wonder coach Joy Borman, The Smiling Coach

Why would you follow a dream when there's no guarantee the dream will come true?


Why would you sell your home, quit your job, take your kids out of school when there’s so much risk that it might not work out?

We didn’t decide to live on a sail boat because we knew what would happen. 

We bought a boat and tried a new life because of the possibilities. Because of what MIGHT happen.  Because of the chance to offer our kids something incredible, not necessarily because we could guarantee it. 


In reality, the closer you try to get to a dream, the greater the chance of failure. The greater the weight of your choices. 

We all just saw this in close up with the Olympics.  It’s easy for us to sit at home, critiquing triple Axels, but really, we’re a long way from that dream. 

We have a much greater chance (in our minds) of winning without ever setting foot on the ice. Once you lace up the skates, reality hits you. It’s extremely unlikely that you will wear a gold medal around your neck. 

But you’ll never know if you never try. 

So you have to take a risk on the dream. 

Knowing it might, or even probably, won't work out, is baked into the equation.

Ask any Olympian- even those who came home with broken legs and broken dreams- do wish you had never tried?

I doubt any of them would say yes. 


Boat life was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve experienced parts of myself I didn’t even know existed. But deep in my bones I know I took a chance on a glorious dream. It was hardest thing I've ever done, but it was also the best. 

I have given my kids this wonderful window to the world that hopefully they will step through themselves one day.

There will always be hurdles. And there are always compromises. But to pursue a dream, you MUST take a risk.

Nobody wakes up being an incredible public speaker.


It takes time, it takes practice, and I'm afraid it takes a good number of talks to be pretty average.

But each one you do will be better than the last. 

Look up old speeches by your favorite speakers- Brené Brown, Michelle Obama, Tony Robbins- whoever, they sound nothing like they do today. 

They may be naturally enigmatic, have fascinating things to say, but I guarantee you that the first speech they ever did was mediocre at best.

It takes time for your style to evolve, and you won’t know who you really want to be on stage until you get up there.

And this is critical- 

confidence, really has very little to do with it! 

A confident speaker can bomb just as easily as a nervous one. But the opposite is also true- a nervous speaker, who dreads the stage, has just as much chance of having a huge impact as the one who is desperate for the limelight. 


If you want to make speaking a part of your business, and if you want to be a really compelling, engaging speaker in the future- get out there and be an average speaker today!

Why doesn't success feel like enough? 

It's a question we come up against throughout our lives- at work, in relationships, in big moves and high holidays- in the moments that people celebrate the most, that look incredible on camera, but leave us just a little hollow. 

And, I am so ridiculously pumped (and proud!) to share Lindsey Lerner's talk from TEDxPrinceton a few weeks ago which answers why.

https://lnkd.in/e_eQy4UN


***
Finding your idea for the stage is an incredibly hard thing to do. It is the very epitome of soul searching.

If you had 10 minutes in front of a potential audience of millions- what would you say?

It feels like a weighty responsibility- to do justice to your ideas, to everything you are and that you believe. But it's also a privilege. 

The power of the TEDx stage abides because it is so simple- a platform to share ideas that matter. That's it. No ROI, no transaction, no fee- just ideas that others get to hear. 

So, as you try to figure out what you want to say on that stage, think of your idea not as your magnum opus, but as a small gift.

Something carefully selected, thoughtfuly wrapped and generously given.  

That gift is the one thing that you know that could change someone else's life for the better- even just a little bit.

Open video: Why Doesn't Success Feel Like Enough? | Lindsey Lerner | TEDxPrinceton on youtu.be

Why Doesn't Success Feel Like Enough? | Lindsey Lerner | TEDxPrinceton

When we lived on a sailboat I was the navigator.


I liked to figure out where we were going and how we would get there, and then my husband executed the plan.

I read the charts, checked the forecasts, cross referenced the cruising guides, perused the forums, and asked around. 

Then I trusted myself to make the right plan.


And what was right for us wasn’t necessarily right for everyone else. 

We had to take into consideration our boat size and abilities, our own skills & comfort, weather conditions, tides, time and also the fact that we had three kids on board (a precious cargo... with opinions.) 

Just because we were going in the same direction as someone else, didn't mean we would get there the same way. 

A navigator ensures you get where you want to go - when you want to get there.


And it turns out that’s what I do for you when you're trying to get on the TEDx stage or building your next talk.

You’re the captain.  These are your ideas, your goals and you’ll have to execute the plan. 

I just help you build the plan in the first place:

- What do you want to achieve? 
- Who do you want to speak to?
- What do you want to say to them?
- What’s the best way for YOU to do that?
- What are your unique strengths as a communicator? How do we maximize those?
- What are your concerns or challenges on the stage? How do we mitigate them?
- What are the stories that make your ideas stand out?
- What's the best structure for your talk to achieve your goal?



If you want to get on the TEDx stage, or need help building your next signature talk, let's talk about how I can be your navigator: https://lnkd.in/ep-T-zzG

How are TEDx and pitching related?


They both require you to take something incredibly complex, and articulate it clearly, coherently- and most importantly concisely. 


A TEDx is not everything you know condensed into 10 minutes, and a pitch is not your business case articulated as quickly as possible.

To do both well, you must have one deep, compelling narrative.

A story that gives a new perspective to the audience, explores a journey you have taken and makes the audience want to join you on that journey.

The difference is, with a pitch, you probably want them to give you money at the end of it! 

Which means the story needs to be even more compelling.


Since I moved to Scotland last year I’ve been doing an investigation into the Scottish investment landscape- I’ve spoken with tens of founders, investors and those in the institutions and organizations who shape and support the ecosystem across the UK.

What has come up over and over, is that pitching often sounds generic. 

Incredible people, strong businesses - undone by a reliance on formulaic pitch decks and not enough time spent on the most important part of raising money for your business - being able to talk about it! 

So, this week I’m going to do a mini series on pitching sharing what I've learnt from those conversations and the 13 years I've been helping people tell compelling stories on stage:

1) Why your deck is not a pitch
2) Turning your pitch into a conversation
3) Building your business story
4) Why founders should probably do a TEDx (and not for the reasons you think)

See you there!


***
Tessa Rawson is a TEDx & Pitch coach. She's been helping TEDx speakers prepare for the stage since 2013 and has worked with tens of founders to develop their storytelling through accelerators in Vermont, and now Scotland.

I was asked last week how I help neuro-diverse speakers prepare for a talk?

And I'm ashamed to say I don't have a good answer.


There is no one size fits all way for ANYONE to prep for a speach. However, that's also no excuse, as I'm clearly many tools short of a full tool kit.

So- I would LOVE your help. 


I'm working with an accelerator program over the next two months supporting founders prep their investment pitches, and this is something I really want to be able to bring to the table.

Whether it comes to clarifying your ideas, how you use props and slides, memorization or confidence - what do I need to know to better prepare neuro-diverse speakers?

And would you be up for a call?  

I would love to help you with your upcoming talk or pitch in return :) 


Thank you so much lovely friends. 


***
Photo of me navigating uncharted waters... too on the nose? (Also, waters actually very much charted)

Hey my NYC pals- I'm in town for a hot minute- any chance you are up for a coffee/ bagel/ walk/cocktail on Friday??

No alternative text description for this image

A deck is not a pitch.


A deck is some snazzy slides. Maybe they’re even really good slides (I’m skeptical). Maybe there's a whole pdf explaining the slides. 

But guess what? That’s not a pitch-  that’s a powerpoint presentation. 


A pitch is a proposal. 

It's a conversation that attempts to persuade someone that your business is worthy of investment. 

A bunch of slides is NOT what is going to convince them to do that. 

YOU will. 

YOU - 

an incredible person, that has built something meaningful, telling a compelling story with a really solid argument as to why your business is worthy of someone else’s money. 


The problem with slides is … actually, there are many problems with slides:

- They are boring
- Most of the time you include WAY too much information- so instead of listening to your compelling story I’m reading your boring bullet points
- You include too much data and data can be picked apart (more about that on Thursday)
- There is an incredibly high likelihood that you're using a template- so no matter how good it is, you sound just like everyone else. 


Have you ever watched Dragons Den/ Shark Tank? Those shows have invested over $250 million dollars into businesses like yours. Yes, it’s a TV show, and there’s a huge amount that is not representative of most investing. Nevertheless, what IS true… there isn’t a slide deck in sight.


So, here’s what I advise you to do -  go ahead and dump your deck. 

Now imagine you have to go and pitch right now without it- what would you say?

How would you communicate everything that you think is vital on those slides, with words alone?


I’ll be back tomorrow with some tips on how you figure out what to actually say to turn your deck into a pitch that leads to conversation.

Super excited to join MICHELLE B GRIFFIN this afternoon to talk all things TEDx. 

If you dream of doing a TEDx talk one day- this chat will give you the answers to lots of your questions! 

I hope you can join us :)

Founder, She’s Visible™ • PR-Powered Personal Brand & AI Visibility for Women Experts • Elevate Your Visibility & Credibility Across LinkedIn, Media & AI Search • TEDx & Keynote Speaker • 2x Author

📌 REPLAY IS BELOW...A good idea won’t get you a TEDx talk.
And neither will being highly accomplished.

It’s about having the right idea, framed the right way, at the right time for the right TEDx stage.

Today at 12:30 PM CT, I’m going live with longtime TEDx organizer Tessa Rawson to talk about what actually gets someone selected.

→ What organizers are really listening for
→ Why experts still get passed over
→ The mistakes most applicants don’t even realize they’re making
→ And how to know if you’re truly ready

If a TEDx stage is on your radar, this conversation will save you time and guesswork.

📌 REPLAY HERE

LinkedIn Live replay: https://lnkd.in/e8zsM-jP and also 

YouTube https://lnkd.in/eEiGDS4G

📅 Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 
⏰ 1:30 PM ET | 12:30 PM CT | 6:30 PM GMT 
📍 Streaming on LInkedIn Live and YouTube

Sponsored by She’s Visible, my women’s leadership initiative focused on closing The Recognition Gap because we need more women speaking on stages, featured on pages and earning better wages.

_____

If you lead a women’s ERG or leadership group and want to equip your members with personal branding and LinkedIn presence this season, She’s Visible workshops are designed for exactly that.

#OwnYourLane 
#ShesVisible

Spending hours on your pitch deck is a false investment. 


Let me clarify...

In spite of my vociforous argument against your slide deck yesterday, I’m not a complete purist. There is definitely a place for slides! 

I just firmly believe that in the early stages of pitching, your precious hours should be spent practicing talking about your company, not making slides about it. 

Because investment decisions are made in conversation. And are determined by your ability to deftly and succinctly answer investor questions.

A successful pitch articulates a journey that investors want to join you on. You need to be able to tell the story of your business that makes others think - I want to be a part of that. 


So start by practising these:

- How would you describe what you do?
- How did you come up with this idea in the first place?
- Where are you at with the business and how did you get there?
- What hurdles have you overcome? What did you learn in the process?
- What have been the biggest decisions you’ve had to make?
- What sort of traction do you have?
- Tell me about your moats
- Why are you looking for investment and what will you do with the money?

Just practice talking. 

Practice telling the story of what you do and why I should give you money to keep doing it! Don’t worry about the data for now. We'll get to that tomorrow :) 


***
Hi, I'm Tessa- I've been a TEDx organizer and coach for 13 years and use the storytelling skills that have prepared over 100 speakers for the TEDx stage to help you turn your pitch deck into a story that others want to invest in. 

You can find out more here: https://lnkd.in/emy87vKR

Did you miss my TEDx Masterclass on Monday? 

Fret not, I'm chatting to MICHELLE B GRIFFIN on Tuesday if you want to find out what it takes to get on the TEDx stage.

Can't wait to get into the details and help answer all your TEDx questions.

Positioning Women Experts into Recognized Authorities • PR-Powered Personal Brand Strategist & Speaker • Elevate Your Visibility on LinkedIn, Media, Stages, Podcasts and in AI Search • TEDx Speaker • 2x Author

📌 REPLAY IS BELOW...
So you want to land a TEDx talk? But what does it actually take to get on the red dot?

Join host MICHELLE B GRIFFIN for this month’s Own Your Lane LIVE as I sit down with a longtime TEDx organizer and coach Tessa Rawson to talk about what really happens behind the scenes.

We’ll unpack:

• What makes an idea compelling enough for the TEDx stage
• What organizers pay attention to that applicants miss
• Why strong experts still get rejected
• The biggest application mistakes
• How to know if you’re truly ready

Tessa has been a TEDx organizer and coach in Europe and the US since 2013. She’s reviewed hundreds of applications and knows what makes a great talk and why good ideas get overlooked.
 
📅 Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 ⏰ 1:30 PM ET | 12:30 PM CT | 6:30 PM GMT 

📌 WATCH HERE:
LinkedIn Live replay: https://lnkd.in/e8zsM-jP and also 
YouTube https://lnkd.in/eEiGDS4G

Get the insider tips and steps to get a TEDx Talk. Join us. 
We can't wait to see you there.

#OwnYourLane #ShesVisible

How to Land a TEDx Talk: Insider Tips From a TEDx Organizer

Every founder should do a TEDx talk. 

And not necessarily for the reasons you think.


Yes, TEDx does wonders for your credibility and visibility - there are not many things that have the same power as ‘TEDx speaker’ in your bio.

But, the main value for founders comes before you even get on the stage. Applying for a TEDx will give you tools to pitch your company in a MUCH more effective way. 

Most pitching advice focuses on the deck and the data, but neglects to spend time on what really matters- being able to tell a story that makes investors want to join you. 


Think of your favorite TED talks- who would you LOVE to work alongside? 

Of those people, do you know what their projected revenue is for next year? Do you even know the name of their company?

Your desire to work with them is nothing to do with the business, and everything to do with the people!

That’s what you need investors to feel. 

So let them in -  give them a reason to want to join YOU. 


One of the main tenets of TEDx is that you can't sell from the stage. So how would you talk about your business if you are NOT allowed to pitch? 

Imagine not being able to even mention the name of your company? Where would you start?

How would you talk about the work you do? What are the outcomes you dream of? What was the most interesting step on your pathway? What was the back of the napkin moment, or that moment in college or as a child that changed the way you thought about the world and eventually led to you being an entrepreneur?  In short- why do we need what you do? 

Applying to do a TEDx - even if you never get on that stage - will make you talk about your business in a completely different way. And it will have a massive impact on your pitching. 

If you're a founder and want to pitch ten times better- let's chat https://lnkd.in/eCVpb6aW

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Rosie Christie

Tessa Rawson

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The Battle

Rosie Christie

Tessa Rawson

Followers

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Engagements

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Tessa Rawson's LinkedIn Performance

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