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Speaking at TEDx
TEDx events strive to magnify voices from
local communities and celebrate ideas
worth spreading. These events are
organized independently by passionate
volunteers, under a free license granted by
TED. The events are not controlled by TED,
but volunteers agree to abide by our
format and guidelines for curation,
production and more.
We recognize and appreciate your
enthusiasm for being a part of this global
movement. Here's some information for
those who wish to share their ideas on
stage at an independently organized TEDx
event.
Who are Our Speakers
TEDx teams have a dedicated mission: to discover
powerful, original ideas in local communities and amplify
them on a global scale. Their speakers come from
incredibly diverse backgrounds - scientists, writers,
students, dancers, community leaders, tradespeople,
chefs, doctors. They might not have received
international acclaim, but their novel ideas have the
power to inspire, challenge, and change the world.
How TEDx Works
Independently Curated: Every TEDx event is
independently curated by volunteers who generously
invest their time to spotlight valuable ideas from and for
their community. That means each speaker is selected
by those volunteers without influence from sponsors,
government, or any organizations.
Curation over Commercialization: The TEDx stage
seeks authenticity. While we understand the dynamism
of professional speakers, the priority is to unveil fresh
perspectives that haven't been widely heard.
Generosity First: The ethos of TEDx is sharing. No
speaker is ever charged to be a part of the platform. It's
a community bound by the sheer love of ideas.
Proposing a Speaker for
TEDx
Local TEDx teams are encouraged to search for original
ideas that will be presented by the individuals
responsible for them from the community the event
represents. They are found through tireless research,
engaging local brain trusts, and interviews, interviews,
interviews! The most impactful teams rely on “pitch”
forms sparingly, if at all.
Have an idea or know someone who should share
theirs? Here are things to keep in mind when you wish
to make a suggestion:
Application Forms: If you're suggesting a speaker for a
local TEDx event, only contact those who provide a
public application form via their official event page on
TED.com or other digital channels. If a team has not
done so, there is a reason - please respect their time.
Unsolicited pitches to volunteers via social media are
likely to receive a cold response.
Keep It Genuine: Teams look for those in their
community whose original, innovative work is worth
amplifying. Work means work - something they are
"shoulders deep" in making the idea happen. 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!
FAQ< Speaking at TEDx
Can I pay to speak at a TEDx event?
No. TEDx does not allow speakers to pay or be charged
in any manner, including production costs, recruiting
sponsors, buying ticket blocks, or hiring coaches.
Speakers give generously of their time, sharing their
ideas to the world for free. That is enough!
Do I have to sign anything in order to speak at a TEDx
event?
Yes. Every speaker is required to sign TED’s speaker
release, which allows for the exclusive distribution of
the particular recorded talk on TED’s digital channels,
forever free to the world. Some events may also share
their own speaker agreement, outlining rehearsal and
preparation obligations. No financial agreements or
transactions are ever required.
I am associated with a TEDx event’s sponsor. Can I
speak at the event?
No. To ensure the authenticity, integrity and
independence of the platform, representatives of TEDx
event sponsors cannot be speakers at the event series
they support.
I’m a volunteer for a TEDx event. Can I also be a
speaker at the event?
No. Volunteers contribute immensely to the event's
success, but to ensure a broad representation of ideas,
they cannot be speakers for the same event they
support. This would be a conflict of interest for an
independent event.
Someone has offered to help me “land a TEDx talk” for
a fee. Is this legitimate?
No. It’s flattering that such offers are made, and speaks
to the power the volunteer community creates!
However, any fee-based "TEDx service" is illegitimate,
using the community's name without permission.
Wherever transactions around presenting on a TEDx
stage are discovered, related talks become ineligible for
publication. After all, if an event’s stage isn’t
independently curated, it isn’t TEDx!
Are there any direct financial benefits for TEDx
speakers?
While TEDx does not pay speakers, many offer benefits
like covering travel costs where necessary, and access
to exclusive networking events. No fee is paid for
speakers.
Can I speak at multiple TEDx events?
TEDx events focus on highlighting unheard voices from
the community they serve, so speaking multiple times is
rare. Duplicate talks will not be published. However, if
speakers continue to do exciting new, original work,
new ideas might emerge and, if so, they may be
welcomed on another TEDx stage. Remember; TEDx is
not a platform for professional or circuit speakers, such
as motivational speakers and life coaches.
Will my TEDx talk be available online?
All talks uploaded via the TEDx YouTube channel, which
adhere to the content and copyright guidelines, will be
available on the channel.
If you are concerned that a service may be soliciting
fees for speaking at TEDx, please email
[email protected]More about the TEDx Program
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