The 5-Step Process for Speaking at TEDx Events

Speaking at TEDx events will showcase your idea and its impact.

Landing a speaker’s spot to speak on a TEDx stage is an exciting opportunity, and it is helpful to understand the mission and format of a TEDx talk.

TEDx events are independently organized under the TED brand and aim to share “ideas worth spreading.” The focus of your talk needs to be around a strong, unique idea rather than just a personal story or promoting yourself.

Talks are generally up to 18 minutes, and currently, TEDx events are trending towards shorter talks. I was instructed to keep my talk around 8 – 10 minutes.

Follow these steps to become a speaker at TEDx Events:

1. Identify Your Core Idea

As mentioned above, a TEDx talk is focused on an idea. Here are a couple of questions that may help develop your idea:

• What is a unique perspective you can offer?
• What expertise or experiences make you qualified to speak on this topic?
• How does your idea resonate on a broader scale (globally, locally, or within a specific community)?

2. Research TEDx Events

The next step is to research TEDx events. TEDx events can be found at the TED.com website. ?There are different kinds of TEDx events (Standard, University, Youth, Salon), so you will want to choose the type of event you would like to deliver your idea.

Many TEDx events look for speakers several months in advance of the event so look for events that post an open call for speakers on their website. There are generally several TEDx events per day all over the globe. I limited my search for events in the US.

3. The Application Process

• When you find an event you would to speak at, fill out the speaker application. Many of the speaker applications ask similar questions, and creating a template of the questions and your answers will make the application process easier.
• Expect to submit many applications as many other speakers are also looking to land a TEDx stage. I submitted 14 applications, and I know other speakers who have submitted many more than I did before they were chosen.
• Some applications will require a 1, 2, or 3-minute video about your idea. Creating those videos ahead of time will save time in the long run.
• Some TEDx events will have a theme, and if they do, tailor your message to work with the theme. Other TEDx event organizers prefer to choose their speakers and find the theme of the event through their speaker’s topics.
• Some TEDx organizers will interview potential speakers after their applications have been submitted and there is an interest in their ideas. I did go through an interview.

4. Write Your Talk

This is the stage where I am now. My written talk script will need to be completed by the end of October. All TEDx talks are fact-checked.

Many TEDx events will assign coaches to their speakers. Take advantage of having a coach to help guide you through the speech-writing, practice, and any other insights they can lend to help you create a successful talk.

5. Practice Your Talk

Practice, practice, practice. I can’t say this enough. Practice enables you to deliver a polished speech. Even though my speech is not written yet, I’m starting to schedule opportunities to practice it.

What I’ve Learned So Far

Persistence pays off. My idea became clearer and more concise as I continued to fill out applications. You will eventually be chosen for the right event for you.

Focus on the impact. TEDx speakers are not paid, and event organizers are volunteers. The event is about your idea and its impact. The reward of delivering a great talk will come if you put in the work.

I’ll keep you updated as I continue on this journey!

Is one of your goals to be on the TEDx stage? What has the journey been like for you? Share your experiences so we can learn from each other.