11 Myths On TEDx Application Process (Part 1)

By Bilyana Georgieva, TEDx Coach, Digital Nerd and Multi-Award Winning Professional Speaker, founder of The 'Red Dot Speaker Star' (formerly 'Soon-To-Be a TEDx Speaker') Program.

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Every time I meet someone and say I'm a TEDx speaker coach I always get the

"OMG! I always wanted to become a TEDx speaker! How can I be on TEDx?"

I'm going to be honest with you ??

Instead of explaining how, I got cheeky and start asking everyone

"What do they think or heard the process is?"

The amount of miss information and wrong beliefs people have absolutely amaze me! It all comes from conversations over a coffee or dinner with friends who pass something they've heard without checking if it's true.

It's actually quite simple to check! You go on the TED website and read the guidelines, the rules and the articles the HQ team wrote there.

Of course, to save you time I'm going to give you today directly the answers

... and if you don't see an answer of your own question, put it below in the comments and I'll tell you the facts.

Today, I will give you half of the 11 myths and beliefs I've heard over time and what actually is the rule given by TEDx

Myth #1:

You must wait to be invited. TEDx is an ‘invitation only’ event

Truth #1:

If you wait to be invited you might wait your entire life.

You actually have to apply to become a TEDx speaker. It is also possible someone else to nominate you as a TEDx speaker.

The process is very easy - you find a TEDx organiser and you apply to speak on their TEDx event.

I've created a FREE mini-course to help you understand the process and the steps. Click HERE to watch it

Myth #2:

I should apply to 1 TEDx organiser at a time

Truth #2:

There is no limit to how many organisers you can apply. In fact the more TEDx events teams you contact the bigger your chance to become a TEDx speaker is.

Myth #3:

I can only apply to my local TEDx events as per my residency

Truth #3:

There is NO such rule !

You can apply to TEDx events ANYWHERE around the world, as long as you are happy to travel and know you can get in that country

Belief #4:

I must be someone famous, a celebrity, have a best-selling book, a thriving business enterprise, or a certain advanced degree in order to talk at a TEDx conference

Truth #4:

There is NO such rule given by TED Headquarter !

You can talk at TEDx if you have a good idea, a message for the world, an inspiring wisdom, creative project you worked on or simply show people a side of an issue that they haven’t thought about before .. anything that is worth sharing and engaging

Belief #5:

I must publish my book first and then go on TEDx as this will position me on stage

Truth #5:

It is against the TEDx rules and guidelines to mention your books and publications in a commercial way. Checkout Guideline 1: No commercial agendas from the TEDx Content Guidelines

Myth #6:

I must finish writing my script before I apply for TEDx

Truth #6:

No such rule !

Almost all TEDx speakers complete their scripts AFTER they secure their space. Of course, you should have a clear vision what your topic is, who is your audience and what makes your talk different?from others

Myth #7:

I must have my TEDx title ready before I book my talk

Truth #7:

TEDx organisers will never ask what’s the title of your talk at the time you apply to be on their stage.

You need to give your TEDx title when you finalise your?script and give it to your organiser before you get on stage. They will use it to advertise you as a speaker so people can come and watch you on the day.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: You can change your title any time before your TEDx talk is uploaded on the TED platform. Once submitted with TED HQ you cannot change your title!

Here you go, you've got 7 out of 11 myths and beliefs I've heard. The other 4 will be published next week, on 27th July.

Do you have information about the TEDx application process and you haven't seen it here? Write it in the comment below and I'll give you the truth

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Sending you love and energy!

Yours,

Bilyana