Introduction One of the greatest challenges for any aspiring speaker, especially when preparing for a TEDx talk, is defining a strong, clear, and authentic core message—your “what.” In his insightful podcast episode, comedian and speaker Frank King takes us on a journey to uncover this central message, blending humor, personal anecdotes, and practical advice. His approach unravels the essential steps to discovering what you truly want to say and how to say it with impact, authenticity, and purpose.

The Importance of the “What” in Your Message Frank explains that your “what” is the one key problem you seek to solve or the major improvement you hope to inspire in your audience’s lives. Without this guiding focus, your story risks losing connection and power. Your “what” is not just about presenting an idea, but sparking meaningful change—whether for those sitting in the room, or viewers around the globe with internet access.

TEDx, as Frank points out, isn’t just after an “idea worth spreading” but also the compelling backstory behind it. Your core message should be both clear and resonant, forming the heartbeat of your talk and leaving a lasting impression.

Uncovering Your Backstory and Purpose Finding your “what” begins with delving deep into your own backstory. Frank recommends reflecting on pivotal life events—challenges, victories, transformations—across every decade. This self-exploration not only surfaces the big moments that have shaped you but also begins to reveal recurring themes and patterns that may point toward your message.

For Frank, losing his father as a child was a formative experience that, though tragic, instilled resilience and courage. He encourages listing both the best and worst experiences in your personal, professional, and academic life. Analyzing these moments helps you extract valuable lessons, strengths, and the evolution of your perspective over time.

Identifying Recurring Themes and Authenticity Once you’ve mapped your backstory, the next step is to search for consistent themes. Frank shares that his life’s through line is a relentless pursuit of dreams—knowing from a young age he was destined to be a comedian and chasing that goal against all odds. Authenticity is critical. TEDx audiences, and people in general, respond powerfully to genuine, lived experience rather than contrived or forced narratives.

Frank’s own battles with depression and suicidal ideation didn’t just add weight to his message—they became the reason people listened. He was authentic and vulnerable, making his message on suicide prevention credible and relatable.

Turning Pain Into Purpose and Passion Frank’s formula is simple: pain → passion → purpose → profit.

Everyone has pain, but not everyone transforms it into something greater. When Frank realized that his family’s history with depression and suicide, and his own experiences, could serve a bigger purpose, his speaking career transformed. It became about saving lives, training others, and creating ripples of impact.

He urges would-be speakers to identify topics or causes they would devote themselves to, even without prompting. Your natural energy and excitement about a topic is a clue to your true passion—the foundation for a resonant TEDx talk.

Framing and Refining Your Core Message With your backstory and passions in view, it’s time to frame your core message. Ask yourself:

What lessons did I learn from my experiences?

What excites me so much I can’t help but share it?

What do I want my audience to feel, learn, or do?

Most impactful talks include a call-to-action—a clear first step for your audience to take after hearing your message. Frank advises sharing and testing your core message with supportive friends or mentors, then refining it based on their feedback.

Aligning with Audience Needs and Global Impact Finally, be sure your core message resonates with both the local audience and has global relevance. Do your research about the specific community you’ll be addressing, and consider how your insights and experiences can benefit people everywhere.

Conclusion: Embrace Authentic Self-Discovery Frank King’s wisdom boils down to this: TEDx isn’t looking for the most polished, perfect speaker—but for authenticity, lived experience, and a message worth sharing. By embracing your unique story, discovering what truly energizes you, and framing it with conscience and purpose, you have the potential to spark meaningful change—in your own life, and in the world.

Your “what” is your superpower. Find it, own it, and let it shine.