How to get selected for TEDx?

To get a chance to speak at TEDx, find local events on TED.com, develop a unique "idea worth spreading," apply through their specific forms highlighting your expertise and alignment with the event theme, and be prepared with a strong video sample, as organizers seek innovative, actionable ideas, not just big names, and direct payment is prohibited.

How do you get selected 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.

How are people chosen for TED talks?

- Anyone can nominate a speaker through TED's online nomination form. High-quality nominations include a clear one-sentence idea, links to past talks/writing, and evidence of impact. - Organizations, academics, and influencers often nominate people they already know to be compelling communicators.

How to get invited to do a TEDx talk?

Be focused - a TEDx speaker is selected solely based on the idea they are putting into the world through their work, not based on a personal story. Apply Once Per Event: Multiple nominations for the same individual won't positively influence the selection process. One heartfelt suggestion is all it takes!

Do TEDx speakers get paid?

No, TEDx speakers do not get paid, as TEDx is a non-profit, volunteer-run initiative that requires speakers to give their ideas for free; while TEDx doesn't offer speaker fees, they sometimes cover travel/hotel costs for non-local speakers and provide perks like coaching and event passes, with the main reward being exposure and credibility that can lead to paid speaking opportunities. 

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

Is it a big deal to be a TEDx speaker?

Yes, being a TEDx speaker is a big deal as it significantly boosts credibility, opens doors to new opportunities (like books or paid gigs), and establishes you as a thought leader, though it's not an instant ticket to global fame like a main TED talk, and success depends heavily on the quality of your idea and marketing efforts. It's a prestigious accomplishment that looks great on a resume and LinkedIn, offering huge exposure through the TEDx YouTube channel. 

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 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 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.

What's the difference between TED and TEDx?

TED is the main, global organization with high-profile, exclusive conferences featuring renowned speakers, while TEDx is a local, volunteer-run program that licenses TED's format for community-focused, independently organized events, making them smaller, more accessible, and featuring local voices, though both share the "ideas worth spreading" mission and follow TED's guidelines. The key distinction is who organizes and where it happens: TED is central and global; TEDx is local and independent.
 

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 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 is a typical TEDx talk?

TEDx talk format:

TEDx talks are typically under 18 minutes and most often delivered by a single presenter.

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.

How much do Ted Talks cost to attend?

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. 

What qualifies you to do 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.

Is being a TEDx speaker a big deal?

Yes, being a TEDx speaker is a big deal as it significantly boosts credibility, opens doors to new opportunities (like books or paid gigs), and establishes you as a thought leader, though it's not an instant ticket to global fame like a main TED talk, and success depends heavily on the quality of your idea and marketing efforts. It's a prestigious accomplishment that looks great on a resume and LinkedIn, offering huge exposure through the TEDx YouTube channel. 

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.

What makes a good TEDx talk?

Draw in your audience members with something they care about. - If it's a topic the general TED audience thinks about a lot, start with a clear statement of what the idea is. - If it's a field they never think about, start off by invoking something they do think about a lot and relate that concept to your idea.

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 is the 3 2 1 rule in speaking?

The 3-2-1 method in public speaking is a versatile framework for structuring thoughts quickly, preventing rambling, and boosting confidence, often involving one core idea, two perspectives/types/steps, and three supporting points/actions, or structuring a response as 3 steps, 2 types, and 1 key takeaway, helping speakers organize complex topics on the fly or deliver concise, memorable messages. Another application involves a preparation routine: reading slides 3 times, recording yourself 2 times, and practicing with a colleague 1 time. 

What does TEDx stand for?

TEDx is a program of local, independently organized events that bring the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) experience to communities worldwide, focusing on "ideas worth spreading". These events feature live speakers and recorded TEDTalks videos to spark discussion, but are planned and run by local volunteers under a free license from TED, adhering to TED's format while allowing for community-specific content. The "x" signifies an independently organized TED event, making the global idea-sharing platform accessible at a local level.
 

What are the 5 P's of presentation?

The 5 Ps of Presentation are a framework for effective public speaking, most commonly standing for Planning, Preparation, Practice, Performance, and Passion, guiding you from initial concept to final delivery. Some variations exist, focusing on elements like Purpose, Preparation, Practice, Presenting, and Progress (or Participle/Participation) for audience engagement. Another set focuses on vocal/physical delivery: Pace, Pitch, Power, Pause, Polish.