Want To Take The TEDx Stage? Here’s How – Forbes

The opportunity to give a TEDx talk is one desired by many. In a world defined by prestige and credibility, the TED logo denotes a level of expertise and clout that will serve speakers for the rest of their careers. But, actually landing the opportunity to take a TED or TEDx stage and give a talk isnt easily awarded. The application processes are cutthroat with a minuscule acceptance rate, leading many applicants to wonder how to crack the code.

When we think of TED talks, we often think that theyre for truly great speakers. And while a speakers ability to captivate an audience is certainly high on the list of qualifications, why organizers choose one application over another goes beyond that. Elaine Powell is a keynote speaker who has trained over 25,000 individuals on how to speak powerfully.

As a curator for TEDx@Croydon she has facilitated over 35 TEDx talks, and is now a speaker coach, which has given her an in-depth understanding of what it actually takes to get a slot on the TEDx stage. Elaine also supports those individuals who want to get on the TEDx stage working with them 1:1 or in her signature programs.

Powell gives her insight to what organizers look for, and how any and all TED hopefuls can maximize their application chances and share their big ideas with the world.

Want to Take the TEDx Stage? Here's How | Stephanie Burns

Understanding TED

First things first: theres a difference between TED and TEDx. When we think of the most famous TED talks of all time, we think of famous speakers like Brene Brown, who took to the official TED stage after receiving an official invitation. Because of TEDs popularity, independent organizers were given the ability to host their own TED events, called TEDx. TEDx events allow for smaller activations of TED across the globe, where speakers can apply to give a talk. Both events carry tremendous clout, as TEDx events can receive up to thousands of applications.

The nature of TED is in their tagline: Ideas worth spreading, and Powell says that the main idea or thesis behind your proposed TEDx talk needs to be the main character of your application - not your personal life story.

Many aspiring TEDx speakers mistakenly lead with their story in the application. Although your story is highly important and very engaging, it is your idea that needs to take center stage, Powellnotes.Your idea is the leading role in the talk, with the story and other supporting material being the supporting cast. If you describe your potential talk by focusing more on yourself and your story, rather than the idea thats worth spreading, this is a red flag for curators.

Best Practices For Your TEDx Application

While emphasizing your proposed idea is the most critical and important element of a TEDx application, Powell says there are a few other best practices to make your application stand out and raise the chances of being selected.

Ensure that your proposal fits into the event theme. Every TEDx event has a theme, and if your idea doesnt relate to it, it wont be chosen. These themes are chosen by the event organizers and are generally very broad, such as Alternative Pathways and Empowerment, explains Powell. Therefore, make sure that in the application your idea ties into that particular theme. This will show that you have done your research and can add value to their event.

Create a clear talk outline.Its not enough to just have an idea. Ideally, you know the structure of your talk, which will give organizers an overall idea of the journey that audience members will go on over the course of your talk. Many events will ask you to submit an outline of your talk. Usually, an outline will be fine, rather than your whole script. The outline needs to guide the reader smoothly through the opening, roadmap and transitions into story, or key points and your overarching idea and message that the audience will take away, Powell notes.

Choose a strong idea that youre a certifiable expert in.The idea you choose is paramount. It needs to be new, innovative, and fact based. For a big idea to be a big success, it needs to be simple and will need to be articulated in a single sentence of 15 words or less. Ask yourself does my idea change perceptions, or how do we view something from an entirely different view point?Being able to clearly articulate your idea is one of the most challenging things that most of those who take on this great task face, so spend time developing it. The strength, and differentiator of your idea will be one of the main determining factors, as to why a TEDx curator will pick you to speak at their event or not, says Powell.

Your online presence should communicate your expertise. Once your idea has been long or short listed, the TEDx team will do their reconnaissance on you, to see if you are indeed credible to speak on this topic, Powell states. When curators type in your name into Google, are you already appearing as an expert on this topic? Can they find articles, posts, evidence that you have been working on this idea for a while?

Start with your social media pages if you dont quite yet have the Internet track record of expertise. Time to go into your social media platforms, and ensure that you are congruently showing up as an expert in this field with posts and articles, Powell urges. Think through what unique experience you have that lends to your idea. Event organizers will often ask, Why are you the best person to speak about this idea?, so make sure you have a compelling answer.

Avoid self promotion.Proving your expertise and experience is one thing but peddling your services is entirely another. TEDx talks are not the place for self-promotion or selling. However, when done right, a TEDx talk can be quite promotional in and of itself, advancing your career to great heights. This comes down to the value you have to offer via your idea.

Specifically, Elaine reminds us that a TEDx talk can establish you as a thought leader, expand your idea into the world, increase your confidence, create opportunities, identify you as a competent speaker for paid speaking gigs, and of course, connect you to the prestige of delivering a TEDx talk.

If you have many ideas, perhaps go with one that will not only make a huge difference in the world but will also benefit you for all the hard work, Powell suggests. Giving a TEDx talk is ultimately a very long game, and it may take 8-9 months to actually get onto the stage.

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Want To Take The TEDx Stage? Here's How - Forbes