How You can Get on TED Talks - Complete Information

I have seen many of entrepreneur friends and LinkedIn connections who aspire to be a TED Speaker. I have even seen profile titles as "Aspire to be on TEDx someday" which speaks why it is a big deal for many of us.

I am writing this article not just because I have spoken on TEDx twice out of 7 Invitations I got (Lazy and Choosey Me :D ) but because I have watched more than 40 Hours of TED Talks and i can save that time for you.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TED AND TEDx

What is TEDx? TEDx talks are just like TED talks, but the main difference is that?while TED talks are global, TEDx focuses on the local community. TEDx talks are independent of TED events, but they have to obtain a license from TED just to show that they will follow certain principles. x in TEDx means "independently organized events".

You can read more details about it on the blog written by TED itself. Click Here

CLEAR SOME MYTHS FIRST

1. TED events are not concerned about how much money do you make or how many social media followers you have. Whether you are a startup or a student, a social worker or an innovator; everyone is equally welcome. You just need to have a journey that inspires and IDEA WORTH SPREADING.
2. TED or TEDx are non-profit. So, you don't get paid to talk there.
3. You can't pay them to be there; references may just give your profile a glance but rest its all about Point 1 (Journey that Inspires).
4. People going to TED as speaker are not special, they are just doing things "differently" than conventional practices.
5. Not all TEDx Videos are posted to TED Official Channels. TED team thoroughly check the content before posting it on their official handles. So even if you speak on TEDx, your video may not be uploaded on TED.
6. You can't go and sell your product directly or indirectly on the platform.
7. There is a time window of 18 minutes max. for every speaker, anything above that either must be very very important or there are chances that your video might not fit in the criteria.
8. Most of the offline audience of TEDx events are students so you must have a captivating story or ideas to provoke thoughts. It wont be easy trust me.

How to get your First chance?

1. Start writing and talking about your journey on Social Media platforms especially here on LinkedIn.
2. Connect with students and groups (most of the TEDx events are organized by colleges and students)
3. Don't think about story but think about making a difference (Story will automatically come)
4. Connect with TEDx speakers. Many a times we (I) get a lot of TED opportunities that we (I) pass (Lazy- Choosey Again) and organizers do ask if we have any references.
5. Attend some Live events, get the feel. You will even get chance to talk with the speakers, connect with them and hear their tips :)

BONUS

TED can be seen as a chance to play in International Cricket Match; once you be a part of it, many other doors (IPL, Ranji, BBL, etc.) of public speaking automatically opens for you. So yeah, its quite worth it.

Link of my TED Talks - Mining of Success Mantra (Hindi and English) and Loosing Focus of Good (English)

Please feel free to ask any questions about TED or Public Speaking in general and do give your feedback about this blog :)

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