PR Guru Goes Personal on International Platform: My TEDx Talk Discusses Breaking Patterns at 60

I bring more than 37 years of media experience to organisations seeking authentic storytelling and a powerful media presence. I have been doing this through my business, Scott Media, for nearly two decades.

I have experienced nearly every part of the media landscape. From researching and writing thousands of stories in Somerset and Swindon, to producing a radio show for Hospital Radio for two years, producing award-winning television series and founding a successful PR consultancy, I transform complex media landscapes into clear, actionable strategies.

I was recently named among the top five PR consultants in the UK for SMEs. My no-nonsense approach cuts through industry jargon to deliver real results for businesses of all sizes. I am also the self-published author of two memoirs reflecting on my business and my life as a journalist, with a third book currently in production.

I am known for my direct, BS-free approach to media relations, combining journalistic insight with practical PR strategies. I host a business podcast called the PR Not BS Podcast and have been speaking at events for many years, but this year marked my first TEDx talk.

Telling Your Story Matters

I spoke at TEDx Railway Village Swindon on Friday 19 June and was among 14 speakers who shared their experiences, insights and ideas.

I was asked to join the line-up as the final speaker just two weeks before the event, after someone who had been booked was unable to speak.

This was the first Swindon-based TEDx event, and the two people behind it were Robert Jandy and Debbie Bryan. On the day, volunteers from the community kept the whole event running smoothly.

I talked about turning 60 and trying to develop a positive mindset when you have been brought up by a mother and grandmother who found positivity very difficult to embrace.

My choice of topic was not about blame. It was about understanding.

My grandmother lost her five-year-old son in 1950, and it destroyed her ability to be joyful for the rest of her life. This had a knock-on effect on my mum and, therefore, on me and my sister. As I reach 60, I shared the strategies I am using to break that cycle as I get older.

My TEDx talk was not just about sharing my story. Most importantly, it was about connecting with others.

There are many women like me who reach 60 and feel that society ignores them, as though they have little or no value. Unless we stand up and tell our stories, however small they may seem, that will not change.

Finding Your Why

I am used to sharing my business expertise and PR tips, but this talk was very different from the other speaking engagements I have undertaken. This TEDx talk was about me.

I chose to talk about my journey towards turning 60 mainly because TEDx is not about sharing your business knowledge or expertise. It is about sharing new ideas and thoughts. As this was something I had been thinking about over the previous year, it felt like an obvious choice.

This was my first TEDx talk.

I have watched a few TEDx talks and have had clients who have delivered them. It was terrifying because I usually speak about my expertise in the media or PR. This was very different, as I was revealing vulnerable thoughts, feelings and ideas.

TEDx is seen as a highly credible platform for sharing ideas and experiences. Two of my favourite talks include one by a trans woman discussing her journey to happiness and the first moment her father referred to her by her chosen name. The other was delivered by a woman who spoke about our need for human connection and the so-called cuddle hormone.

Waiting for the Impact

Sometimes, the impact of a talk takes time, both for the audience and the speaker.

No one was allowed to ask questions during the event, but afterwards several people came up to tell me how much they had enjoyed my talk.

They spoke about how it reflected their own experiences or said they felt inspired. I was also interviewed by Swindon 105.5 about it. I suspect the real impact may emerge over time.

In true Fiona Scott fashion, I am always looking for future opportunities. I also have some advice for anyone considering a TEDx talk.

When you get the chance to deliver one, attend the rehearsal day and practise your talk. It helps enormously. You should also be prepared to take direction from the MC and camera crew.

Avoid repeatedly looking down or focusing on your slides. Keep your eyes on the audience as much as possible. Normally, you deliver the talk without notes, although some events may provide a teleprompter. I used a few notes because I had only been given two weeks’ notice. Now, I am glad it happened that way.

My experience in PR and public speaking has taught me that business is personal. When you are willing to share your stories, build connections and allow people to understand who you are, the business will follow.

You can watch my TEDx talk here: