First Steps to TEDx: Tips for Preparing to Apply for Your Breakthrough Talk

Landing a TEDx talk is a significant achievement that can propel your speaking career to new heights, opening doors to global visibility and establishing your authority in your field.

But let's be real, getting there isn't just about having a great idea; it's about presenting that idea in a way that resonates deeply and universally.

The journey to that famous red circle is less about just feeling passionate and more about being strategic, creative, and extremely precise in your preparation.

It can feel pretty daunting—where do you even start? How do you make sure your talk doesn’t just fade into the background?

Well, you're not the only one aiming for that stage, and yes, it's super competitive. But the good news? I've got your back.

With a 38-year career in speaking and stand-up comedy, including 12 TEDx Talks under my belt, I've navigated these waters many times. I've also helped hundreds of speakers, authors, and coaches just like you get booked and make their mark on stages across the globe.

So, let's dive into this guide, where I'll share essential tips to not only prepare you for your TEDx talk but ensure it stands out in a crowded field.

1 - Understand the TEDx Criteria and Themes

Before you even consider applying, spend time understanding what TEDx is all about. Each TEDx event is independently organized but adheres to the standards and format set by TED. Events often revolve around a unique theme that guides the selection of speakers and topics.

→ Actionable Tip: Make a beeline for the official TEDx website. Spend some serious time there. Check out the list of upcoming events and their unique themes. This isn’t just casual browsing; you’re on a mission to pinpoint events where the themes resonate deeply with your area of expertise or the unique angle you’re eager to share. Matching your message with the right theme can dramatically boost your chances of being selected.

When exploring the TEDx website for potential events, focus on these key elements:

• Theme Relevance: Choose themes that align closely with your expertise to ensure your talk's appeal to event organizers.
• Audience Profile: Understand the typical audience's interests and backgrounds to tailor your talk accordingly.
• Speaker Lineup: Check past speaker profiles and topics to gauge the event's preferences.
• Location and Accessibility: Consider the event's location and your ability to travel if necessary.
• Application Details: Adhere strictly to application requirements to enhance your submission's impact.
• Deadline Dates: Track and meet application deadlines to ensure timely submission.
• Organizer’s Background: Research the event organizers to personalize and tailor your application effectively.

2 - Craft a Compelling Application

Your application is your gateway to the TEDx stage, where you have the opportunity to share your "idea worth sharing." To make your submission stand out, it's essential to tailor each application to the specific TEDx event's theme. This demonstrates not only your commitment but also ensures your message is a perfect fit for their audience.

→ Actionable Tip: Start by clearly defining the core idea of your talk. What unique insight or solution are you bringing to the table?

Here’s how to ensure your application captures attention and aligns perfectly with the TEDx theme:

• Discover Your "Idea Worth Sharing": Identify a unique perspective or innovative solution that you are passionate about. Whether it's a groundbreaking scientific discovery, a unique approach to solving a social issue, or a personal story with universal lessons, make sure it has the potential to ignite discussion and inspire the audience.
• Align With the TEDx Theme: Each TEDx event revolves around a specific theme that frames the entire program. Tailor your talk’s message to resonate with this theme. Demonstrate how your idea not only contributes to but enhances the dialogue around the theme.
• Write a Captivating Title and Subtitle: Your talk’s title and subtitle are not just labels but hooks that can intrigue the selection committee and future audience. Craft a title that is both intriguing and informative, giving a clear indication of what your talk is about while piquing interest. The subtitle should support the title, offering a bit more detail about the angle or direction of your talk.
• Showcase Your Expertise: Include evidence of your credibility and background. Highlight relevant achievements, previous speaking engagements, or publications that establish your authority on the topic. This reassures the organizers that you are capable of delivering a talk that is both insightful and authoritative.
• Engage with a Story: Start your application with a brief but compelling story related to your main idea. This narrative should hook the reader and illustrate the emotional or intellectual depth of your talk. A good story can make your application memorable and relatable.
• Be Concise and Impactful: While detail is important, your application should be concise. Focus on delivering your message clearly and powerfully. Avoid jargon and overly complex explanations. Instead, aim to be succinct and direct, emphasizing the relevance and impact of your idea.

3 - Create a Compelling Video Pitch

This video is your chance to make a personal connection with the selection committee and convince them that not only is your idea worth spreading, but you are the right person to present it.

Here's how to ensure your video pitch stands out:

• Keep It Concise: TEDx organizers are likely reviewing hundreds of submissions, so keep your video brief and to the point—typically around 2 to 3 minutes. Focus on conveying your main idea clearly and passionately.
• Showcase Your Speaking Style: Use this opportunity to give the organizers a taste of your speaking capabilities. Be natural and engaging. Your delivery should demonstrate your ability to captivate an audience. Remember, TEDx talks are known for their dynamic and engaging presentation style, so let your personality shine through.
• Highlight the Core of Your Talk: Start by succinctly stating the problem or question your talk addresses, then outline your unique angle or solution. This should be a clear echo of your written application, providing a solid sense of consistency in your proposal.
• Explain Why You're the Best Fit: Briefly discuss why you are uniquely qualified to deliver this talk. Highlight any specific experiences, expertise, or personal connections to the topic that make you the ideal candidate to present this idea.
• Make It Visually Appealing: While your words are important, the visual quality of your video can also impact its effectiveness. Ensure good lighting and sound quality. Use a clean, uncluttered background, and dress professionally as if you were delivering the TEDx talk. If possible, incorporate visuals or a slide to support your points, but keep them minimal and relevant.
• End with a Strong Closing: Conclude your video with a compelling closing statement that reiterates the importance of your topic and your passion for sharing it. This could be a succinct summary of what you hope the audience will take away from your talk.

As we wrap up this guide on securing and succeeding at a TEDx talk, remember that while the journey is challenging, it is immensely rewarding.

If you're serious about taking your speaking career to new heights and leaving a lasting impact, I have something special for you.

I've designed a comprehensive e-learning course and speaker's community that's unlike anything else available. This course will guide you step-by-step from discovering how to apply for TEDx talks, crafting creative applications that stand out, nailing your audition, to creating a TEDx talk with the potential to go viral and using it to boost your professional brand.

Right now, we're offering an exclusive early bird price. Save your spot on the waitlist before Friday 11:59pm EST and you can access the entire course for just $995—a fraction of the post-launch price of $3,500.

Plus, you'll receive additional bonuses to further enhance your speaking journey.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your speaking career with expert guidance and a supportive community.

Click here to secure your spot on the waiting list. Embrace the challenge, and let's make your TEDx talk a reality!

About Frank King

A full time Suicide Prevention Speaker and Comedian, who was a writer for The Tonight Show 20 years, and a speaker, comedian, and coach for 37 years. He’s a TEDx Coach, with 12 TEDx Talks under his belt, and now a SPEAK Event Channel Partner (a competitor to TEDx). And a Make Money Speaking Coach, who helps his clients launch or uplevel their speaking careers, on cruises, at colleges, for corporations, and associations. And, he’s been to all 7 continents, including Antarctica twice, while entertaining aboard cruise ships.