“Doing a TEDx talk” on your to-do list? Here are some things to think about.

In my line of work as a speaker coach, I come across many people who are intrigued by the prospect of delivering a TEDx talk.  Some are curious, others have long envisioned themselves captivating audiences from the TEDx Stage.

Where do you stand?

Have you already visualised yourself on the iconic red circle delivering a talk that can be potentially echoed across the globe?  Are you wondering what is so significant about this particular platform?

In this blog, I’ll be exploring what all the buzz is all about, exploring key considerations that go beyond merely “doing a TEDX Talk’, and touching on how to deliver a TEDx talk.

The essence of speaking at TEDx

TEDx events are independently organised events that feature ideas worth spreading. They are inspired by TED, the non-profit organisation devoted to spreading ideas, and are designed to spark conversation and action.

TEDxNorthwich, our local event, has shaped four impactful events since 2019 and our next event is in July 2024. There are hundreds of independently organised events throughout the world, all incorporating their unique essence yet all committed to the fundamental TED principle of spreading ideas.

If you have an idea that you believe has the potential to change the world, then applying to speak on a TEDx stage is a great way to share it with a broad audience. TEDx events reach people from all walks of life, and your talk could have a profound impact on their thinking and actions.

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider applying to speak on a TEDx stage:

• To share your ideas with the world.

  A TEDx talk can give you a platform to share your ideas with a global audience of millions of people. In the first instance, you will deliver a live talk to a live audience. The talks are recorded live and (subject to passing compliance with our team and then the team at TEDx), released out into the world. This can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and it can also help you to connect with other people who are passionate about the same things as you.
  It is more than a live event: it is an opportunity to impact on countless lives, fostering connections and potential collaborations.

• To inspire others.

  Your TEDx talk has the potential to inspire others to take action, make a difference in the world and empower others. You can share your story, your experiences, and your insights, and you can motivate people to follow their dreams and pursue their goals. When I’m talking about how to deliver a TEDx talk, I sometimes use the analogy of throwing a pebble into a still pond.  Those ripples you initially see are the most obvious and immediate impact of your talk.  The ripples continue outward though, and you may never know which shore they land on.  Land they will though, and inspire unforeseen transformations

• To become a thought leader.

  Speaking on a TEDx stage can establish you as a thought leader in your field. This can open up new opportunities for you, such as speaking engagements, writing opportunities, and collaborations with other experts. Remember though, that this outcome is a secondary one: your idea and its impact is the primary goal. Being associated with it and all that might happen as a result is a wonderful bonus.

• To learn and grow.

  The application process for speaking on a TEDx stage is a great way to learn about your ideas and how to communicate them effectively. You will also have the opportunity to network with other speakers and organisers, which can lead to new connections and opportunities.
  Indeed, many of the speakers we have worked with in TEDxNorthwich, have cited this as an unexpected but fabulous benefit. However experienced or inexperienced they have been as speakers, they have always learned more about how to be clear, concise, inspirational speakers.

What you’ll notice is that the key to standing on a TEDx stage is always the Idea.  TED is committed to spreading great ideas.  That’s the starting point 

The crux of a TEDx idea

Well, let’s be upfront.  Not every talk qualifies as a TEDx Talk.  Not everyone will have what it takes to deliver one.  That seems harsh, so let’s break it down.

• Original and thought-provoking.

  Your idea should be new and different, and it should challenge people’s thinking. Rehashing existing concepts won’t cut it. If we’ve heard it before or it is the same old same old, then it isn’t worth spreading, is it?

• Important and relevant.

  Your idea should be something that matters to people, and it should have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. We always ask applicants – why this, why now and why you? Make sure you know the answers to this if you are thinking about your idea.

• Compelling and engaging.

  Your idea should be something that people will want to listen to and learn more about. We often get people applying who know a lot. They are passionate about what they know.  When they talk about it though, they are what I call “informational speakers.”  They download information.  That’s not ‘an idea’ nor is it engaging or compelling.  An idea isn’t just information: it is a message that captivates, inspires and holds meaning. Infuse your knowledge with purpose and inspiration.

• Your Idea might be based on research you have conducted, personal experiences or stories, an unusual ‘take’ on an accepted idea or a compelling insight. The key here is that it is an idea rather than a lecture, a message rather than a teaching session, and  thought-provoking rather than a broadcast.

• A note here about stories. Personal stories and experiences are powerful when it comes to how to deliver a TEDx talk.  For a TEDx talk, they can be massively inspiring BUT, they need to transcend mere storytelling.  There needs to be a purpose or ‘higher level message’ associated with the story.  We have many people applying to TEDxNorthwich with the most incredible stories. We only seriously consider those who are seeking to share an Idea: stories for story’s sake don’t make the grade.

What isn’t a TEDx talk?

This is worth spending a little time on.  There are so many different platforms out there for us to share our thoughts, feelings, research and suggestions.  Conferences, online, webinars, political stages, lobbying events, religious places or other holy/spiritual homes.  Sometimes, certain ideas are better suited to those other platforms, not TEDx. 

Let me share with you three types of talks that TED say are NOT TED Talks.

1. No sales pitches or business proposals. So many people apply because they have a process product or service they want to profile.  Some services and products are awesome but there are other platforms from which to talk about them.
   TEDx platform is for Ideas, not promoting products, services or books.
2. TEDx isn’t a platform for political, racial, religious or other potentially divisive topics, speeches or campaigns. Again, other platforms are better suited for these. TEDx is about fostering constructive dialogues, not promoting potentially polarising subjects
3. TEDx takes pseudo-science or science that hasn’t been peer-reviewed and /or evidenced very seriously. Unless your Idea is grounded in credible research and evidence, then it is unlikely an organiser will select you. *By the way, we love science at TEDxNorthwich but there is a very clear compliance process attached to it so that we know those Ideas we are spreading are credible.

The path to TEDx

To apply to speak on a TEDx stage, you will need to apply to the event organiser. The application process typically includes the following steps:

1. Submit a proposal: Your proposal should describe your idea’s essence and significance and why it is worth spreading. It should also include your qualifications and experience.
2. Record a video: Your video should succinctly present your idea and passion.
3. Submit evidence: You will need to provide evidence that supports your idea as well as why you are the best and most credible person to deliver it.

The application process

At TEDxNorthwich, we have an application process that covers all the above which you can find on our website.  This link will also take you to the application form.  We also have a Selection Committee who are committed to selecting and curating a line-up of Ideas for our event.  There are lots of factors they consider.  Here are the two most important:

1. What’s the depth and uniqueness of the idea? Will it start conversations and provoke curiosity?
2. How clear is the applicant about their Idea? Is it a topic or a theme (not TEDx talks) or is there an Idea within that that could set our event alight?
3. Will the final line-up be a diverse and thought-provoking lineup for our live audience?

What you’ll notice is that a person’s ability to speak isn’t THE most important factor.  We value passion and commitment to the idea along with credibility and energy.  We provide speaker support so provided the idea, commitment and energy is there, we know we can help with the crafting and delivery skills.

Can everyone know how to deliver a TEDx talk?

Actually, no.  It is a privilege to speak from a TEDx talk and the reason it has high credibility and status is that not everyone can do it.  It takes a combination of:

• A great Idea worth Spreading.
• Commitment to crafting, practising, and rehearsing, all of which could easily be in the 100s of hours.
• Being open to learning how to stand up and speak in public, overcoming your fears, learning new skills
• Being committed to elevating your existing speaking skills so that this does become the Talk of a Lifetime!

If you are nodding your head at that list and thinking this sounds like you, then get in touch.