How do I apply to do a TEDx talk?

To apply for a TEDx talk, find local events on TED.com, identify their specific speaker application on their website/social media, and submit your unique "idea worth spreading" with a compelling video, detailing your expertise and why your idea matters, following their unique guidelines for a chance to be selected by volunteer organizers.

How much does it cost to apply for TEDx?

There is no application or membership fee of any kind to apply for a TEDx license. TED does not work with any third parties on licensing - any fee-based "TEDx service" for completing an application form is illegitimate, using the community's name without permission. More questions? Ask TEDxAssist!

Can anybody do a TEDx talk?

Who is qualified to give a TED Talk? Anyone with a great idea. The reason so many people enjoy these talks is because of the ideas, not the celebrity of the speakers. Ideas are the stars.

What are the requirements for a TEDx talk?

Most talks are 18 minutes or less. While certain formats, like dynamic interviews or dialogues between two speakers, can run up to 30 minutes, any talk exceeding 18 minutes will be subject to review by the TEDx team before being published to the TEDx YouTube channel.

How do I get selected to do 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.

How to become a TEDx speaker | Learn how to find, apply and prepare for a TEDx speech

Do TED talkers get paid?

No, speakers do not get paid for giving TED or TEDx talks; it's a platform for sharing ideas for free, with the main TED conference offering an honorarium and covering travel/hotel, while local TEDx events rely on volunteers, though they may cover some expenses. Speakers gain exposure, build a fan base, and find opportunities, but TED and its licensees don't pay for the talks themselves, and organizers are forbidden from paying speakers or charging them to speak. 

What are some common mistakes in TEDx talks?

Here are the top three speaking no-no's and how to quickly fix them.

• THE MISTAKE: DISTRACTING MOVEMENT. ...
• THE FIX: MOVE WITH A PURPOSE. ...
• THE MISTAKE: FILLER WORDS. ...
• THE FIX: PACING. ...
• THE MISTAKE: A PODIUM-SHAPED CRUTCH. ...
• THE FIX: DITCH THE PODIUM.

How do I apply for TEDx?

Most TEDx events have their own websites, Facebook pages, or other social media accounts that will share details about how to apply as a speaker, if they accept pitches. TEDx events plan their speaker lineups many months in advance and not all events accept speaker submissions.

Is doing a TEDx talk a big deal?

Yes, being a TEDx speaker is a big deal, offering significant credibility, visibility, and career opportunities as a "shortcut" to establishing yourself as an expert, though it's distinct from the main TED stage and doesn't pay speakers. It provides a prestigious platform to share ideas, opening doors for networking, thought leadership, and inspiring global audiences, but requires extensive preparation and focuses on ideas, not self-promotion, making the specific event's prestige and your talk's quality key factors. 

How many words is a 3 minute TED talk?

How many words is a 3 minute speech? A speaker with an average speaking speed will need 420 words for a 3 minute speech. A fast speaker will need 510 words while a slow speaker will only need 330 words.

What is the difference between a TEDx talk and a Ted Talk?

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.
 

Where is Ted Talk located?

The main TED conference has been held annually in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at the Vancouver Convention Centre since 2014.

What are some famous TEDx talks?

The 10 most popular TEDx talks

• 17:47. Simon Sinek. How great leaders inspire action. ...
• 20:02. Brené Brown. The power of vulnerability. ...
• 09:20. Cameron Russell. Looks aren't everything. ...
• 12:37. Robert Waldinger. What makes a good life? ...
• 12:03. Shawn Achor. ...
• 11:27. Tom Thum. ...
• 11:20. Celeste Headlee. ...
• 06:54. Maz Jobrani.

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.

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". 

How are TEDx speakers selected?

At TED, we search year-round for presenters who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight. If you know someone who belongs on the TED stage, or if you belong there yourself, we want to hear from you! Please use our speaker recommendation form to tell us why this person would be well-suited to speak at TED.

Does TEDx pay their speakers?

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. More information about speaking at a TEDx event can be found here.

How to get invited for a TEDx talk?

How can one get a chance to give a TED or TEDx talk? (2025)

1. Develop a Powerful Idea.
2. Research TEDx Events.
3. Prepare a Strong Application.
4. Network with Organizers & Past Speakers.
5. Deliver an Outstanding Talk.
6. Bonus: Alternative Ways to Get Invited.
7. Identify Your "Idea Worth Spreading"
8. Choose Between TED & TEDx.

What qualifies for a TED Talk?

Key Criteria for a TED Talk

The idea should be original and thought-provoking. 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.

Can I nominate myself for a TED Talk?

The most direct way to approach TED is through a nomination, either by someone else or yourself. When nominating yourself, TED requires a description of your "idea worth spreading" that your talk will focus on and links to videos of your previous speeches or presentations.

Can anyone host a TED Talk?

No one is eligible to organize an event without being granted a license by TED. There are a few things to know before applying: TEDx events are truly volunteer endeavors - no one from the organizing team may be paid and speakers may never pay, or be paid, to share their ideas at a TEDx event.

What is the 3 2 1 rule in speaking?

The 3-2-1 method in public speaking offers multiple frameworks: one for structuring impromptu responses (3 points, 2 examples, 1 takeaway) to avoid rambling, another for preparation (3 readings, 2 recordings, 1 colleague run-through), and a general technique for concise delivery (pause 3-2-1 seconds before speaking to organize thoughts). It helps gain clarity, buy time, and structure ideas for clearer, more impactful communication, leveraging the brain's preference for patterns. 

What are the 7 steps to write a TED talk?

How To Write A TED Talk In 7 Easy Steps

1. Choose a topic you care about.
2. Craft your message around that topic, and keep it clear and concise.
3. Define a key takeaway for the audience.
4. Draft your TED talk as a story.
5. Tailor your visual aids to your audience, your story, and your brand.
6. Practice, practice, practice.

What is the difference between TEDx and TED talk?

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.