What Does TED Stand For?
TED stands for technology, entertainment, and design, and TEDx are independently organized events. Tricia Brouk received hundreds of applications when she was the executive producer of TEDx Lincoln Square in NYC, and she has since put more than 45 speakers onto more than 15 TEDx stages.
Applying to any conference can feel overwhelming, especially TEDx. According to TED, there are more than 3,000 events held annually, and we are going to share 3 things that TEDx organizers look for in applications that will help you when you are ready to apply for one of those conferences.
For those who don’t know, TED is an amazing speaker platform for ideas worth spreading. It started in California as a one-off conference, and soon took the world by storm when the talks moved online and became accessible globally. TED Talks have been given by presidents, the Pope, Grammy-winning musicians, award-winning actresses and Nobel prize winners. At the local level, leaders, authors and influencers are applying to countless TEDx events in the hopes of wearing the TED crown.
See Related Post: What is a TED Talk?
What Do TEDx Organizers Look For?
- Applying for TEDx can be daunting due to its prestige and the high volume of applications. TEDx events are held more than 3,000 times each year around the globe. Here are three crucial tips to enhance your TEDx application:
- Focus on the Idea, Not Your Business: TEDx is about sharing powerful ideas. While it might be tempting to promote your business, TEDx prioritizes ideas that the audience can engage with and adopt. Shift your focus from selling to sharing.
- Align With the Event’s Theme: Each TEDx event follows a specific theme, such as innovation, leadership, or community development. Tailor your application to clearly connect your idea to the event’s theme, enhancing your chances of selection.
- Contribute to the Community: Show how your idea will benefit the community. Be explicit in your application about the potential impacts of your idea on the audience and the broader community.
How to Vet a TEDx Organizer
- When considering a TEDx event, it’s crucial to understand the organizer’s background and capabilities. Here are key questions to ask:
- Organizer’s Experience: Inquire about their history with TEDx. More experienced organizers are likely to host a smoother, more impactful event.
- Team Structure: Successful events rely on a collaborative team effort. Ensure that the organizer has a dedicated team, including roles like stage manager, lighting designer, and tech director, to support the event.
- Speaker Lineup: Understanding how many speakers are involved can give insights into the audience’s engagement and the overall event scale. Aim for a balance, avoiding overly crowded or sparse lineups.
Tricia Brouk is an award-winning director, writer, producer and public speaking coach. As an expert in the art of public speaking, she puts speakers on TEDx and other big stages. She also hosts The Big Talk, an award-winning motivational speaker podcast on iTunes.
Tricia can give help you become the confident, inspirational speaker you are meant to be. If you’re looking for a speaker coach who can get you to the next level, reach out to Tricia Brouk today! In the meantime, check out her YouTube page for more public speaking tips and tricks.
