How to apply for TED talk?

To apply for a TED Talk, you can nominate yourself or others via the official TED website for main conferences, but most apply for TEDx events, finding a local event and submitting their idea through that specific event's form, focusing on a unique "idea worth spreading" and potentially leveraging networking or local themes for better chances.

How do I qualify for a TED Talk?

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.

How do people get into TED Talks?

​The best way to submit any speaker to TED is through our speaker nomination form. We accept nominations on a rolling basis.

How much do you get paid to do a TED Talk?

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.

How much does it cost to go to a TED Talk?

Attending a main TED conference is very expensive (thousands of dollars, often $5,000-$12,500+) and requires an application, while watching most talks online or at local TEDx events is free or very cheap; TED Live offers paid streams for around $50-$500, and local TEDx events are ticketed up to around $150. Costs vary greatly depending on whether you attend a major TED conference, a local TEDx event, or watch online. 

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

Can anyone go to a TED Talk?

We're joined by prominent academics, educators, researchers, philanthropists, environmentalists, scientists, technologists, artists, activists and more. If you'd like to come to a conference, you may need to apply to attend. We read every application, and actively seek out new members.

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 the 10 most popular TED Talks of all time?

The "top 10" TED Talks vary by year and theme, but consistently popular ones include Brené Brown's "The Power of Vulnerability", Sir Ken Robinson's "Do Schools Kill Creativity?", Amy Cuddy's "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are", and Simon Sinek's "How Great Leaders Inspire Action", often cited for their powerful messages on human connection, innovation, self-perception, and leadership. Other frequent mentions involve happiness (Shawn Achor, Robert Waldinger), social justice (Bryan Stevenson, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie), and technology's impact, reflecting timeless themes of personal growth, societal change, and finding purpose. 

Who funds Ted Talk?

The TED Foundation is funded by conference fees, licensing, sponsorship, book sales, and grants.

Do you have to be famous to do a Ted 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.

Who gets chosen for Ted Talks?

TED also seeks out emerging artists, scientists and thinkers, introducing them to the TED community well before they hit the mainstream. Collectively, TED speakers have won every major prize awarded for excellence, including the Nobel, Pritzker, Fields, Pulitzer, Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Tony and MacArthur "genius" grant.

How do you apply for TEDx?

The application process:

We only accept applications written in English. Once we've received your application it will be reviewed in the order it was received. We review every application thoroughly so the process can take up to eight weeks. We will update you by email once this process is complete.

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 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 are the rules of a TED talk?

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.

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!

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 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". 

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 is the best topic for TED talk?

Good TED Talk topics blend personal passion with broad interest, focusing on unique perspectives in areas like ** technology (AI, future of work)**, psychology (happiness, vulnerability, bias), society (inequality, social media, climate change), education (creativity, learning styles), and self-improvement (leadership, habits, overcoming challenges), often through personal stories or surprising research to offer "ideas worth spreading". 

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.

Do TED Talks use teleprompters?

As you've probably noticed, you have to learn a TED talk off by heart – no teleprompter, no flash cards, and very limited slides. This memorisation process was, as you can imagine, the single biggest source of stress for the speakers, and at the dress rehearsal stage almost nobody got through without a stumble.

How long are TED Talks usually?

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.

How do I prepare for a TED talk?

Though these steps are in no way comprehensive, they contain some guiding principles that have been known to work.

1. Step 1: Get familiar with the form »
2. Step 2: Develop an idea »
3. Step 3: Make an outline and script »
4. Step 4: Create slides »
5. Step 5: Rehearse »
6. Step 6: Give your talk »
7. Step 7: Savor the glory »