When does a talk go from being 'Meh' to 'Hmmm' to 'Ooooh!' What gives you goosebumps? What makes your heart soar? Think about how you can use your own style and approach to connect with the audience.

If you're considering pitching an idea, you probably already know the answer to this one! In fact, you've probably been carrying that fire in your belly for a long time. Maybe so long, you've forgotten how or why you started caring about it in the first place.

Remind yourself why it matters to you. This will help you convey what matters to others. And try to crystallise your idea into one or two sentences. We know it's hard, and if you can't do it, maybe your idea needs a bit more work.

Who else has done a TED talk on your topic? How will your talk be different? How will yours add to an existing conversation? It's OK not to have a unique topic. No-one has a monopoly on good ideas.

Think you have a truly unique topic? What evidence do you have to back up any claims you want to make? Remember, TED doesn't allow selling, pseudo science, political campaigning or proselytising on stage.

Remember, TED and TEDx events are about "ideas worth spreading". The critical word here is idea. Personal and life journeys can be uplifting and inspiring but a TEDx talk demands more.

You want to be compelling and unforgettable for all the right reasons. Having a clear, powerful idea as the core of your pitch will make the difference.

Yes, really. Or if you don't want to wreck your carpet - we get it, it's expensive - use a bit of red cardboard. Just to get into the spirit.

And, seriously, it helps to stop you from walking around like a caged tiger while you speak, which is very distracting. Trust us, this one works.

Practice, practice, practice. You're not expected to memorise your three-minute pitch. But you should know your content well enough to talk to it fairly freely and rely on only a card or two of dot pointed notes in your hand.

The less you have to look down at notes, the better. The audience wants to connect with you. That means they need to see your face, not the top of your head.

The TEDx Canberra open mic event is on at King O'Malley's - on purpose. It's a fun, informal and relaxing atmosphere. Once it's all over, you can take it easy and enjoy the company of other TED-aholics.

Remember, everyone there wants to see you succeed and deliver a good pitch. It's not a competition and there's no judging or public feedback.

TEDx Canberra open mic night, Tuesday May 9 at King O'Malley's, City Walk, Civic. The event is free but you'll need to register (whether you're speaking or just watching) via eventbrite.com.au