From YouTube to TEDx — The Shift That Changed Everything

Michael Philpott
Michael Philpott
July 2, 2025

What happens when a viral video creator has to perform live—with no second takes?

Jordan Watson—better known as How to Dad—had built an audience of millions with clever edits and on-camera charm.

Then TEDxChristchurch called.

🎤 No camera.

🎬 No retakes.

🎯 Just one chance, live on stage.

Jordan was nervous. Who wouldn’t be?

So we built a plan:

✅ Script printed in 16pt, taped high on the wall

✅ Rehearsals from 2 metres away to activate visual memory

✅ Movements choreographed to anchor key points

✅ Performance coaching to shift from memorisation to embodiment

He didn’t just learn his talk—he became it.

On the day? He nailed it.

✨ 1.5M+ views.

✨ Global shares.

✨ A TEDx moment to remember.

His words?

“Michael had some bloody great tips to help me through the whole ‘live’ process.”

From YouTube creator to TEDx speaker.

From doubt to delivery.

That’s the power of preparation.

That’s the power of Storytelling.

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Michael Philpott
Michael Philpott
Michael is New Zealand’s #1 speaker coach and co-founder of Smart & Wise. He helps leaders speak with charisma, confidence, and clarity—drawing on decades of experience in storytelling, psychology, and stagecraft.
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