How to Get a TEDx Talk

In 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at a TEDx event at Point Park University. I still remember nerves and excitement before I walked out onto that red circle carpet. Fast forward to today, and my TEDx talk has been recognized as one of the top 5 digital marketing TEDx talks . It was one of the scariest yet most rewarding experiences of my career. If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your ideas on a TEDx stage, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

First, let's talk about the difference between a TED Talk and a TEDx Talk.

TED Conferences are the big leagues run by the TED organization itself. These are the grand events where some of the most inspiring and influential speakers come together under TED’s direct management.

TEDx events are locally organized by passionate volunteers who obtain a license from TED to create an event tailored to their community. These events uphold the same spirit and format of TED, with the goal of sparking connection and conversation within the community. They follow TED’s format and rules but have the freedom to tailor the event to their community’s needs and interests. The main goal? To spark great conversations and connections right where they live.

TEDx events are completely independent in terms of planning and production. This means the local organizers handle everything themselves—from picking speakers to selling tickets. They don't get help from TED in these areas. Instead, they use the TEDx name and format to inspire local engagement and share ideas worth spreading.

Both TED and TEDx Talks aim to spread powerful ideas, just on different scales.

1. Get Comfortable in Front of an Audience

I wouldn’t recommend making your TEDx talk your first public speaking experience. Despite having delivered numerous speeches before, I was still nervous backstage! My top advice is to join groups like Toastmasters.

Toastmasters offers a supportive environment where you can practice your speaking skills, receive constructive feedback, and gradually build your confidence. You get to learn about various aspects of public speaking, such as speech organization, body language, vocal variety, and how to engage an audience effectively.

Find a Toastmasters Near You

2. Identify Your Idea Worth Sharing

The most common hesitation I hear is, "I wouldn't even know what to talk about."

Your TEDx talk should revolve around a compelling idea or unique perspective that’s both innovative and relatable. Start by reflecting on your passion and how it can make a difference. Your idea should be clear, impactful, and capable of engaging an audience.

Reflect on Your Passions and Expertise

Consider what you’re most passionate about and what you’ve spent time studying or working on. Your talk will be more engaging if it’s something you care about deeply. Ask yourself:

• What topics do I naturally gravitate toward in conversations?
• What are my unique skills or areas of expertise?
• What issues or challenges do I find particularly compelling?

Address Personal Experiences

Personal stories and experiences often make for powerful talks. Consider significant moments in your life that have shaped your perspective or taught you valuable lessons. Your personal journey can provide unique insights and connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Examples:

• Sharing how you overcame a significant career challenge and the lessons learned.
• Discussing a transformative experience related to overcoming personal adversity.

Explore Current Trends and Issues

Look at current trends and issues within your field or society in general. What are the hot topics that people are discussing? How can you provide a fresh perspective or solution to a pressing problem?

Combine Different Interests

The most unique and engaging topics sometimes come from combining multiple areas of interest or expertise. Consider how different fields intersect and how you can bridge gaps to offer a novel perspective.

Examples:

• Merging insights from psychology and technology to discuss how digital tools impact human behavior.
• Combining personal development techniques with data analytics to explore new ways of measuring success.

By reflecting on your passions, personal experiences, and current issues, you can discover a topic that not only interests you but also has the potential to captivate and inspire your TEDx audience. Remember, the most impactful talks often come from a place of genuine enthusiasm and deep understanding.

3. Find a TEDx Event

Every TEDx event has a theme, so ensure it resonates with you or aligns with your message. TEDx events are independently organized and can differ widely in size and scope. To find an event that suits your topic and location, visit the TEDx locator website and explore their upcoming events. Check the individual websites of TEDx events to see if they are seeking speakers. Follow local TEDx events on social media to stay updated on speaker calls.

You should apply to any local event where you have a personal connection. Spreading a wider net will increase your chances of getting an invite. Some places you might want to think about include:

• Cities near you
• Colleges/universities you attended or near you
• Places you have a personal connection to

Not every TEDx event insists that speakers live in the area, which can make it easier to travel or get accepted. Some events, though, look for a variety of speakers with different styles and from different places so apply broadly.

Each TEDx event has its own set of requirements:

• Some only accept nominees
• Some ask for videos
• Some want an outline of your talk

Do some research, pick 5-10 events, and make a list of what you'll need for each one.

4. Craft Your Proposal

Once you’ve identified a TEDx event, prepare a proposal. This usually includes a brief overview of your talk, its relevance, and how it aligns with the event’s theme. Tailor your proposal to showcase your idea’s uniqueness and your ability to present it compellingly.

The theme for my talk was “Bridges” because Pittsburgh is known for many. Here was my proposal:

Bridging the Gap Between Personalized Marketing and the Privacy Paradox

The speech is an eye-opening view of how data collection happens and is used and what that means for our privacy online. To bridge the gap between a great personalized experience while not invading privacy, we need to discuss how marketers like myself are making strides in improving this and how consumers can be more aware. I address both the marketers and consumers in the audience and open the door to both sides of the matter. Both of us with something to learn because the only way to bridge the gap is to understand and build it together.?

5. Practice Your Pitch

Usually the second round in the process is to pitch the first couple of minutes of your speech via video. I suggest reading the book: “Talk like TED ” By: Carmine Gallo. There is a certain format that all TED talks follow, and it is an art that takes practice to accomplish. By formatting your speech up this way, you can set yourself up for success. Practice delivering your idea succinctly and engagingly. Focus on clarity, passion, and confidence. It’s essential to convey why your talk matters and how it can inspire or educate the audience.

Here are some key points to remember:

• Teach Your Audience Something New: Provide fresh, valuable insights to keep your audience engaged.
• Deliver Jaw-Dropping Moments: Include surprising, dramatic moments to captivate your audience.
• Paint a Mental Picture: Use vivid imagery and descriptive language to create a lasting impression.
• Involve Your Audience: Make your talk interactive to keep the audience involved and attentive.

6. Prepare Your Talk

If selected, you’ll need to develop your talk in detail. Watch other TED and TEDx talks. My personal favorite is a humerous TEDx talk that tells you how to do a TED talk: How to sound smart in your TEDx Talk | Will Stephen | TEDxNewYork . There will be a committee to help you craft the perfect talk, which will take many rewrites (trust me, many). By the time I was getting close to delivering my talk, my speech was a Frankenstein of the original. The last paragraph was now the second, the third was now the last, and so forth. TEDx talks typically range from 10 to 18 minutes.?

Structure your talk with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use stories, data, and visuals to support your points. Rehearse extensively to ensure a smooth and confident delivery. I suggest breaking the talk into sections and learning them perfectly one at a time.

There are many different methods of memorizing a speech. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Outline your speech: Use bullet points for key ideas instead of writing it out verbatim.
• Use mental images: Attach images to key points to help remember them better.
• Try the ‘Memory Palace ’ technique: Link speech points to objects in a familiar room.

7. Engage with Your Audience

Connect with your audience through eye contact, gestures, and a conversational tone during your talk. Your goal is to engage, inform, and inspire. Be authentic and passionate about your topic.

8. Leverage Your Talk

After your TEDx talk, promote it through your networks and platforms. Share the video, write about your experience, and continue to engage with your audience. Your talk can open doors to new opportunities and discussions.

Speaking at a TEDx event is a remarkable way to share your insights and make a lasting impact. Embrace the process with enthusiasm and dedication, and you’ll be well on your way to delivering a memorable talk.?

Good luck, and please reach out if you want further insight and advice!