How can I get my TEDx application accepted?
Every TEDx curation team is looking for something different.
Some events will be hard-science focused, while others will prefer softer subjects. Others will curate a balanced speaker roster.
TED officially says that TEDx isn’t a place for personal journey talks, but I’ve heard an organizer say they’re his favorite kind of talk to feature.
Event curators are looking to create an ensemble of speakers — one that is varied and diverse in many ways. If you don’t receive a “yes” from your first few applications, it doesn’t necessarily mean your topic is bad or they didn’t like YOU.
In this way, applying to be a TEDx speaker is a lot like auditioning for a play.
When I was in undergrad, working toward my theatre performance degree, my professors would always remind us:
You can be the most talented, most skilled, most professional, most pleasant, the most positive actor in the audition room… and STILL not get cast.
One reason for that is that the production team isn’t just casting you. They’re casting an ensemble. They’re looking for how all of those actors are going to appear together.
(Watch a quick reel about this concept here.)
Ultimately, whether or not an actor is cast — or whether a speaker gets selected for a TEDx event — doesn’t depend solely on any one of those things. You can control how you show up. You can control how much effort you put into improving your skillset. But that doesn’t mean that you’re always going to be the one that gets selected.
That said, there are a few things that are in your control that can help float your application to the top of the pile.
Pay attention to what’s published about the event.
Carefully read the event website, their recent social media posts, and the application itself.
Some criteria, like the team’s personal preferences and implicit biases, aren’t going to be published. (By definition, even they themselves might not even be aware of these pieces of the puzzle.)
Look for limitations.
If the application says you need to be a local resident, trust them. Don’t apply.
If their website says they’re focusing on science and tech talks and you’re a humanities person, trust them. Don’t apply.
Mirror their language.
Look for the ways in which the event describes itself and its speakers, and casually include that language in your application.
Follow instructions.
Answer all prompts clearly and as concisely as possible. Take note of any character limits, video time limits, or other instructions. Show them that you’re a responsive and responsible applicant who pays attention to details and respects requests from the team.
Pay attention to the theme.
Most TEDx events will have a broad theme, for example, “Truth or Dare,” “Forward,” or “Sea Change.” Consider how your Idea Worth Spreading can fit under and enhance their theme. Most ideas can creatively serve most themes. If your idea seems like too much of a stretch, don’t push it.
Choose a compelling, specific topic.
Make it clear you’re the right person to talk about your topic.
Your Idea Worth Spreading should align with your expertise, whether personally or professionally.
In the application, spell it out.
Make it clear why YOU are the best person to speak on your idea. What experiences have you had personally or through your clients, what research have you done, what about YOU makes you the right person for them to bring in?
Show your expertise online.
If you haven’t already been talking about your idea or related concepts, start now. Facebook lives. IG reels. Tiktoks. LinkedIn articles. Podcast interviews. Wherever you’re showing up online, teach us about your idea and expertise so that when a TEDx curator looks you up, they can see you know your stuff.
Questions about how to get your TEDx application accepted?
Ask away at TEDxDemystified: The Live Q+A!
Drawing on her decade+ experience as an actor, director, writer, editor, and educator . . .
Messaging Expert Cathlyn Melvin helps visionary 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.