Can two people give a TED Talk?

Yes, two people can give a TED Talk, but it's generally discouraged by TED because it's challenging to keep the audience focused and for speakers to sync up effectively; however, some successful joint talks exist, often highlighting contrasting perspectives or collaborative efforts, and TEDx events allow for dialogues or dynamic interviews in longer formats.

Can two people do a TED Talk together?

While joint talks are OK, we generally discourage it. It's hard enough for one person to find their rhythm on stage and to really engage the audience. Two people rarely get truly in sync to present something compelling.

What are the rules for TED Talks?

Key Criteria for a TED Talk

It should offer a new perspective or a unique solution to a problem. TED is about sharing ideas that can change attitudes, lives, and, eventually, the world. Your idea doesn't need to be complex, but it should be inspiring and accessible to a broad audience.

Can you give more than one TED Talk?

TED encourages fresh, diverse ideas. If you're aiming to speak at multiple events, it's important to present new content at each. Making each talk unique keeps your audiences engaged and aligns with TED's mission of spreading diverse ideas.

How many people give TED Talks?

Over 80 speakers appear on the main stage to give talks and shorter presentations, including music, performance and comedy.

How to sound smart in your TEDx Talk | Will Stephen | TEDxNewYork

Can anybody give a TED Talk?

Yes, absolutely! Anyone with an "idea worth spreading" can give a TED Talk, though getting selected for the main TED conference is highly competitive, while TEDx events offer more accessible opportunities for local speakers from diverse backgrounds like students, tradespeople, and community leaders. Success hinges on a powerful idea, clear communication, and the ability to connect with event organizers, often through demonstrating passion and a unique perspective. 

How long does a TED Talk typically last?

While 18 minutes is the traditional limit for TED and TEDx Talks, many talks are even shorter — some of the most impactful TED Talks have been just 5 minutes long. That said, the ideal length can vary based on the format.

Does it cost money to give a TED Talk?

Speakers give generously of their time, sharing their ideas to the world for free.

What does TED stand for?

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, the three broad fields that originally brought the conference's founders together in 1984, though the organization now covers ideas from virtually all disciplines, sharing them under the slogan "Ideas Worth Spreading". 

What is the most famous TED Talk of all time?

The most-watched TED Talk of all time is Sir Ken Robinson's "Do Schools Kill Creativity?", with millions of views, challenging education systems to foster creativity. Other top talks include Amy Cuddy's "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are," focusing on power posing, and Simon Sinek's "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," about finding your 'why'. Brené Brown's "The Power of Vulnerability" and Jill Bolte Taylor's "My Stroke of Insight" also consistently rank among the most popular.
 

What's the difference between a TED talk and a TEDx?

TED Talks are the official, large-scale, globally recognized events run by the TED organization featuring famous experts, while TEDx Talks are smaller, independently organized local events, licensed by TED, that follow the same format but focus on community ideas, making them more accessible for both speakers and audiences. The core difference lies in organization: TED is centralized and exclusive; TEDx is decentralized, volunteer-run, and community-focused, though both share the mission of spreading ideas.
 

What are common TEDx talk mistakes?

THE MISTAKE: DISTRACTING MOVEMENT

One of the biggest mistakes even the most experienced speakers make is using unfocused or wishy-washy movement on stage. Repetitive movement, especially hand gestures, distract your audience and undermine your powerful message.

How to end a TED talk?

Don't use your conclusion to simply summarize what you've already said; tell your audience how your idea might affect their lives if it's implemented. Avoid ending with a pitch (such as soliciting funds, showing a book cover, using corporate logos). If appropriate, give your audience a call to action.

What is the 83% rule for speakers?

The 83% rule for speaker placement is a guideline where your listening spot forms the third point of an almost-equilateral triangle with your two speakers, meaning the distance from your ears to each speaker should be about 123% (or 1.23 times) the distance between the speakers themselves, creating an optimal "sweet spot" for stereo imaging and soundstage. This "magic formula," often attributed to audio expert Jim Smith, helps achieve balanced sound by ensuring equidistant paths for sound to reach your ears, often requiring slight toe-in and adjustments for your specific room.
 

What is the best length for a TED Talk?

We recommend talks be 18 minutes or less, because it works. It's long enough to say something meaningful, but short enough to hold your audience's full attention. Shorter talks (3–9 minutes) can be just as, if not more, impactful. Some of the most memorable TED Talks have been just 5 minutes long.

Are TED Talks invite only?

The talks address a wide range of topics within the research and practice of science and culture, often through storytelling. TED conferences are invitation-only events with an admission of $6,000. Since June 2006, TED Talks had been offered for online streaming.

Can anyone submit a TED Talk?

​The best way to submit any speaker to TED is through our speaker nomination form. We accept nominations on a rolling basis. Once submitted, your nomination will stay in our speaker database so that we may consider your submission as we plan future programs for TED conferences.

What are some criticisms of TED?

Previous criticisms of TED have focused on their alleged elitism. The program is closely associated with mega-rich venture capitalists and Silicon Valley futurists.

How much do TED speakers get paid?

Speakers give generously of their time, giving their ideas to the world for free. That is enough! TEDx also does not pay speakers; however, many events offer benefits like covering travel costs and hotel accommodations where necessary, and access to exclusive networking events.

Can just anyone give a TED Talk?

Almost anyone can give a TED Talk at any level and it could go viral. So, at whatever level you deliver your speech, it means you, too, can spread your idea. Who is qualified to give a TED Talk? Anyone with a great idea.

What is the number one most watched TED Talk?

The number one most-watched TED Talk is "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" by Sir Ken Robinson, which argues that education systems stifle creativity and has garnered tens of millions of views, making it the most popular talk of all time.
 

What is TED short for?

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, the three broad fields that originally brought the conference's founders together in 1984, though the organization now covers ideas from virtually all disciplines, sharing them under the slogan "Ideas Worth Spreading". 

What are the most popular TED Talks?

The most popular TED Talks of all time

• 19:11. Sir Ken Robinson. Do schools kill creativity? ...
• 13:54. Tim Urban. Inside the mind of a master procrastinator. ...
• 20:45. Amy Cuddy. Your body language may shape who you are. ...
• 20:02. Brené Brown. ...
• 17:47. Simon Sinek. ...
• 09:44. Julian Treasure. ...
• 09:38. James Veitch. ...
• 12:37. Robert Waldinger.

How to get picked to do a TED talk?

If you know someone who belongs on our roster, or if you belong there yourself, we want to hear from you! Please use our speaker nomination form, and tell us why this person would be well-matched to the TED stage. Multiple nominations for the same person won't influence the speaker selection team in any way.

Is a TED talk a big deal?

TED Talks are platforms for presenting ideas that inspire and provoke new ways of thinking. Whether you're an innovator, entrepreneur, or an emerging thought leader in your field, the exposure and credibility gained from a TED appearance are unparalleled.