Everything You Need to Know About Giving Your TEDx Talk
Ever heard of a “quick-start” personality?
“Quick-starts” are the people who dive right in, improvise, respond spontaneously.
I’m not that.
I’m whatever the opposite of “quick-start” is.
A slow roll’er.
An information gatherer.
A studious turtle.
Like my cat Tucker, who likes to make little nests of blankets and pillows before a good nap.
Before diving into something new, I want to:
Read about it,
Listen to people talk about their personal experiences with it,
Make long lists of details, questions, and action steps, and
Generally build a little nest of comforting details around myself
I like to know what is going to happen, when. And how. And in what order. I want to know what’s expected of me and what I can expect of other people.
Basically, I want to know how the whole thing works.
So when I decided it was time for me to apply to TEDx . . .
I started Googling.
And Googling.
And I kept Googling . . . without much luck.
The internet, I learned, didn’t have a lot of accessible answers to my many questions. I felt like I was on the digital equivalent of an archaeological dig, cobbling together different pieces of information from different websites, and making educated guesses to fill in the gaps.
In the end, I had to learn from experience.
And that works out well for you, because now . . .
I’m answering the questions that I asked when I got started — and the questions aspiring speakers ask me now, in my work as a TEDx coach, too.
I’ll be answering those frequently asked TED Talk questions one by one. I’m putting all that research and all that experience “down on paper” for you, right here.
I’ll be adding to this list over time. If it’s not linked yet, it’s in progress. If there’s something you’re wondering about and you don’t see it listed here, send it over.
What Do I Need to Know About Giving a TEDx Talk?
Questions About the TEDx process:
How to Select a TEDx Topic:
Are there any topics that aren't allowed at TEDx?
How do I know what topics an event organizer is looking for?
How do I pick my TEDx topic?
What's the biggest mistake people make when choosing their TEDx Topic?
How to Apply to Speak at a TEDx Event:
How do I get selected to speak at TEDx? Do I need to be invited or can I apply?
How do I find the right TEDx events for me to apply to?
What are the easiest events to get into?
Can I apply at any time, or is there a schedule to follow?
How to Prepare for Your TEDx Talk:
How long should my talk be?
What's the format for a TEDx Talk?
How do I know if I should use slides? Do I have to use them?
What makes slides great?
In your TEDx Planner, you suggest a LOT of rehearsal. Won't I sound over-rehearsed?
I'm a wing-it kind of speaker. For TEDx, do I really have to write a script and memorize it?
How do you share a big message in a small talk?
What's the biggest mistake people make when they prepare for their TEDx Talk?
Questions About the Day of the Event:
What supports do I have while I’m speaking? (Will I be able to see my slides? Will there be a countdown timer? A lectern?)
Miscellaneous Questions:
I’ve never done any speaking before. Can I give a TEDx Talk?
Drawing on her decade+ experience as an actor, director, writer, editor, and educator . . .
Messaging Expert Cathlyn Melvin helps visionary small business owners design and deliver their world-changing messages through TEDx coaching and done-for-you copywriting services.
Her insight has been featured via TEDx, Thrive Global, Fempreneur Online, Much More Media, Captivate + Convert, She Built This, The Writing Cooperative, and other outlets. Learn more about her copywriting and TEDx coaching services.