A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes.
Why under 18 minutes?
This short talk model works, since it only demands the audience's attention for a short period of time, decreasing the chance of minds wandering or daydreaming about lunch. In fact, some of our greatest TED Talks have been as short as 5 minutes long!
What is a great, well-formed idea?
It can actually be one of two things:
- Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about.
- A great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives.
In other words, an idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.
Types of talks
When searching for speakers, you can keep in mind these seven different types of talks — not every speaker’s talk has to be exactly the same.
The big idea
The tech demo
The performance
The artist’s statement
In these talks, artists showcase their art and explain the meaning and process behind what they create. Examples: Raghava KK, Liu Bolin, Aparna Rao
The “dazzle with wonder”
The small idea
These talks are not about one big, world-changing idea, but instead a very engaging take on an interesting topic. Examples: Mary Roach, Joe Smith, Charlie Todd
The “issue” talk
Rules to remember
Our Content Guidelines give you a set of standards to follow when it comes to TEDx Talks, so use this as a guide. This includes:
- No commercial agendas
- No political agendas or inflammatory rhetoric
- No religious agendas
- No bad science
Make sure to know these guidelines.
FAQs
A suite of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances that are idea-focused and cover a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter.
Is giving a TEDx talk a big deal? ›
TEDx events are a great opportunity for aspiring speakers, as a TEDx Talk can boost your speaking career by providing a platform to share your ideas with a wide audience.
What is the main message of TEDx talk? ›
It can actually be one of two things: Something that's new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about. A great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives.
How do you get selected for a TEDx talk? ›
Here are the nine steps to get a TED Talk:
- Start With Your Message.
- Research Other TED Talks.
- Join a Toastmasters Styled Group.
- Partner with a TED Talk Coaching Company.
- Build Your Public Speaking Portfolio.
- Write Your TEDx Application.
- Apply to be a TEDx Speaker.
- Submit Multiple TEDx Applications.
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's the difference between TED and TEDx talks? ›
The distinction between a TED Conference and a TEDx event is primarily in how they are organized. TED Conferences are run by TED directly. TEDx events are locally organized by passionate volunteers who obtain a license from TED to create an event tailored to their community.
Do TEDx speakers get paid? ›
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.
Is TEDx talk worth it? ›
It allows you to leverage your talk to build a bigger audience and a public platform. And if your desire is to be speaking on bigger stages and to grow a movement, then a TEDx is an ideal way to do that. You're playing a bigger game once you have a TEDx under your belt.
Who pays for TED Talks? ›
TED is currently funded by various revenue streams, including attendance fees, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, licensing fees, and book sales.
How much does it cost to attend a TED talk? ›
If your application is accepted for a TED Talk Conference, you will need to pay the admission fee for attending the talk. The cost of attending depends on the membership type you selected when you applied. The base cost for attending a TED Talk is US$5,000.
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design — three broad subject areas that are collectively shaping our world. But a TED conference is broader still, showcasing important research and ideas from all disciplines and exploring how they connect.
Who attends TEDx talks? ›
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'll need to apply to attend.
How long does a Ted talk last? ›
Talks may be no longer than 18 minutes. This is the maximum length, not the goal of every talk. TED often asks speakers to present for 3, 5, or 9 minutes, so make sure your speaker knows how much time they have.
What does TED stand for? ›
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design — three broad subject areas that are collectively shaping our world. But a TED conference is broader still, showcasing important research and ideas from all disciplines and exploring how they connect.
Are TEDx talks free? ›
We also devote significant time and money to bringing TED Talks to people who lack internet access or have other accessibility issues. And our talks are available for free to anyone in the world.
Does TEDx cost money? ›
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.
