How to create an idea worth spreading.

A BIG IDEA that is warrants the world's most influential stages is one that is focused, spreadable, and drives action. That's a top-tier BIG IDEA.

Lots of people have good ideas. But a mere "good idea" won't prove world-changing. In fact, it needs to be even better than a great idea. It needs to be BIG!

A BIG IDEA must...

Be the red thread.
Be the silver bullet.
Be the through line.
Be the central theme.
Be the controlling idea.

Isolating your singular BIG IDEA, distilling it, and milling it into its essential elements... that is where the power of your message gets its Ummmmph.

The BIG IDEA Mill™ can get you there!

Course Overview

By the end of this course, your BIG IDEA will be prepared for center stage.

  • Focus Your Idea

    In this course, you will isolate your singular BIG IDEA, distilling it from 400 words into its essential elements. This will make your idea sticky and repeatable.

  • Challenge Your Idea

    In this course, you will be putting your BIG IDEA to the test by filtering it through 5 cultural lens questions. You will then mill it with feedback from your trusted circle.

  • Refine Your Idea

    In this course, you will shape your idea into a singular, powerful trigger phrase. Feedback loops, filters, and rewrites will make your BIG IDEA potent.

Here's what the course includes:

  • Four recorded lessons that will teach you to focus, challenge, and refine your idea

  • Monthly live "office hours" with DEVIN D. MARKS

  • Worksheets, formulas, recordings, TEDster feedback, and more

  • Access to a learning community of exclusive content and discounts

It takes a lot to "mill" expertise into a trigger phrase!

  • It's a process...

    The process of discovering and refining your BIG IDEA is just that — a methodical, iterative approach. You don’t need to have your idea perfected at the outset. Many get stuck there. They don’t act until they have their idea finalized. That’s a mistake. Get started NOW and allow your idea to crystalize as you go.

    This is a process!

  • It's hard work...

    The process of refining your BIG IDEA takes time. You are going to wrestle with the extent of your material, conceptions, and ideas. Every moment you spend gaining clarity will pay dividends for your audience. By laboring for a crystal-clear idea, you ensure that you’re paying the price for your listeners — not the reverse.

    This is hard work!

  • It's audience-serving...

    Your motivation to isolate a singular, memorable BIG IDEA is driven by your desire to share it with others. You don’t have to have an exhaustive knowledge of the topic (Is that even possible?), but you must be intimately familiar with it and inspired by it enough to understand how it can benefit your audience.

    This is audience-serving!

Take your first step towards center stage!

BUY NOW

The BIG IDEA Mill

In this 4-lesson training, you will:

  • SKETCH your idea into a 400-word statement.

  • SIFT your idea through a key question filter set.

  • COMPARE your idea by reviewing the message landscape.

  • CHALLENGE your idea by asking 5 cultural lens questions.

  • SHARE your idea for trusted and diverse feedback.

  • REFINE your idea by distilling it down to a trigger phrase.

Your Guide

Devin D. Marks

Hi, I’m Devin...

I’m driven by catalyzing BIG IDEAS for a better world! I've spent years training niche experts, authors, and leaders (just like you) to deliver powerful messages.

I teach people to connect with audiences and compel them to action!

  • Coached TOP 10 TEDx speaker, Dr. Robert Waldinger (50M+ views).
  • Trained dozens of million-view speakers.
  • Worked with 100s hailing from groups like Boeing, Texas Instruments, and Harvard Medical.
  • Innovated as nation’s 1st TED-Style online coach.
  • Clients collectively enjoying 100s-of-millions of views!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's the format of the training?

    This course contains 4 pre-recorded lessons, plus a bonus opportunity to work directly with Devin D. Marks (aka, The TED Talk Whisperer) in a group setting. In addition, the course includes homework sheets, “learn more” content, and access to an exclusive CONNECT to COMPEL online learning community.

    You will have the option to upgrade to a 1:1 live Zoom session with Devin (45-min.) to refine your BIG IDEA; create a next-step plan for taking your idea to a TEDx organizer; and prepare to begin working with a coach.

  • Who is Devin D. Marks?

    The principal trainer for the The BIG IDEA Mill training is Devin D. Marks, one of the nation’s leading "Short Talk" speaker coaches. Devin has spent years training 100s of leaders, just like you, to captivate audiences. His clients hail from organizations like Boeing, Texas Instruments, and Harvard Medical School. His clients' talks have garnered 100s-of-millions of worldwide views. Devin leads an award winning team of renowned experts in speaker messaging and story training. More of Devin’s background can be found here, and on LinkedIn.

  • How long is the training content available? Can I share it with others?

    Once you purchase the training, the recordings are yours to access for one year.

    We do not allow sharing or transferring access to the training or recorded sessions to someone else. However, If you want to make a gift of the training or train your group, contact our support team directly at [email protected], or inquire here. Please allow 48 hours for a response, Monday through Friday.

  • How much is the program? And what about payments and discount codes, if I have one?

    The program fee is $1,997. Once you click the BUY NOW button, you'll be directed to a payment page in our online learning platform, Thinkific (and if you were given a discount code, this is where you will enter it). If you have any issues, please contact us at [email protected].

  • How do I access the training sessions?

    After you click the BUY NOW button, you’ll be taken to a check out page to purchase the course and access the material (we use Thinkific for our online training platform). If you don't already have one, you'll need to create a username and password, by choosing the SIGN IN link in the top right corner of our Thinkific page. Then choose CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT. Save your login credentials and use them any time to access the password-protected training.

  • Why is the The BIG IDEA Mill such an important step towards a TED stage?

    Prepping a top-tier "Short Talk" begins with a quality BIG IDEA. A "good idea" isn't good enough to be world-changing. In fact, even a great idea will fall short. You need it to be BIG. The BIG IDEA Mill is highly effective because the end product will meet the expectations of event organizers. It will produce your BIG IDEA worth spreading!

  • Will this training prepare me to give a TED Talk?

    No. This is not a TEDx speaker coaching program. It is, however, the first and most critical step in a longer process of "Short Talk" preparation. If you want to take it further, you’ll be given suggestions for a number of options (DIY, mini-course, solo coaching, etc.). For example, if you want to deliver a top-caliber message, we offer a course which is the full-blown, soup-to-nuts training. Devin also works 1:1 with speakers.

    To inquire about the full, interactive course, submit your interest here.

  • Can I become a certified CONNECT to COMPEL trainer in my organization?

    Yes! However, only dedicated, veteran communicators will be considered. Presently, we are only accepting applicants from the United States. The certification process begins with an application and requires a 3-month commitment. Prerequisites include: 10+ years of professional communications experience; demonstrated results (awards, etc.). Apply here.

  • What if I have other questions?

    We love to help! Just send us an email at [email protected] or call us at (617) 804-6020. Our nimble little team will get back to you as soon as we can, usually within 48 hours, Monday through Friday.

Your center stage awaits!

Regular Price: $1,997.00
BUY NOW