How To Become a TED Talk Speaker In 8 Easy Steps (Revealed)

Can you imagine stepping up on the TED stage and giving a life-altering speech like Tony Robbins, John C. Maxwell or Simon Sinek to an adoring crowd?

And then that video being shared thousands, if not millions of times?

Think about what that would do to your career…

You would be able to pick and choose who you work with.

You would be able to charge more.

It would be a complete game-changer.

It might seem completely unattainable but it’s not an impossible dream.

With the creation of TEDx, thousands of independently organized TED Talks have sprung up around the world.

It’s now possible for far more people to spread their ideas to thousands and even millions of people around the world.

In fact, Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why”, one of the best and important TED speeches, garnishing more than 30 million views, began as a TEDx Talk that was uploaded to the main TED website.

Protip: If you haven’t picked up his fantastic book, I highly recommend you do. It has changed how people look at branding in the last decade.

So it is possible to build a career on a single idea.

In fact, your idea is what will distinguish you from everybody else.

You can soar above your competition with your ideas.

Becoming a TED speaker automatically establishes you as a thought leader in your industry.

The importance of becoming a thought leader is increasingly becoming more and more important – especially when you are competing globally for business.

It’s no wonder so many people want to speak at TED.

TED’s slogan is ‘ideas worth sharing’ and if your ideas are truly unique and go viral, it allows you to convert those likes and shares into dollar signs.

What Is a TED Talk?

The TED in the TED Talk stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design.

The conference began way back in 1984 as a yearly conference where industry leaders and creative types gathered.

Each TED conference features over 50 of the world’s most innovative and influential speakers.

TED searches year-round for presenters who will inform, motivate and inspire a global audience.

Before YouTube and social media, it was all about the live experience.

But now, almost 40 years later, TED has become an institution and an internationally recognized brand as a conference where thought leaders speak about important issues and new ideas.

Together with the smaller TEDx Talks, the conference puts hundreds of speeches online each year, getting millions upon millions of views.

If you plan on speaking at Ted, or with any other public speaking, the goal is to communicate your ideas to your listeners.

How to reach the TED Talk stage is a great question.

It’s considered the gold standard for public speaking—however, it isn’t something that will happen overnight, but that doesn’t mean you should get discouraged.

It’s a worthwhile goal to achieve and for some a pinnacle achievement in their careers.

First and foremost, it’s important to realize TED is looking for “ideas worth spreading.”

This is more than just a slogan.

It means you actually need something interesting to say.

They aren’t looking for motivational speeches or an elevator pitch about your business.

Do you have an astounding and innovative organization or a new way of tackling an old problem? You’ve taken the first step.

Speaking at TED automatically ups your authority and cements you as an expert in your industry.

The History of the TED Conference

The TED story begins in 1984, organized by Richard Saul Wurman. It started its life as a conference, with the brightest speakers drafted in from academia, Silicon Valley and Hollywood.

The first TED featured a presentation by Benoit Mandlebrot a fractal mathematician, plus a demo of an eBook and the compact disc.

Despite the incredible lineup, the first event was a financial disaster. However, six years later, Wurman and his business partner tried for the second time.

This time TED talks took off, taking on the 18-minute format, which is meant to be the length of the human attention span.

TED became a yearly event in Monterey, California, showcasing a diverse spectrum of speakers including business leaders, philanthropists, scientists, philosophers, musicians and many more.

Who Owns TED Today?

In 2001, Wurman sold the TED rights to the Sapling Foundation.

Run by Chris Anderson, TED was expanded to incorporate TEDGlobal (worldwide conferences), TEDPrize (a grant of $1 million awarded to the most inspiring speaker each year) and after YouTube was born, select TED talks are posted onto their channel.

How To Write A TED Talk

Start taking the journey to TED by reading these three helpful road signs:

Step 1: Find Your Big Idea

The famous copywriter and marketer David Ogilvy might not have been the first one to talk about the BIG IDEA but he was perhaps the one who introduced it to the masses.

The Big Idea is the key to your success. Your TED talk will either blossom and grow or wither and die based on your idea so it’s important that you spend lots – and I mean LOTS—of time on crafting your idea.

Remember grade eight English class where they taught you the importance of the thesis statement.

Well, think of your idea as your grade eight English thesis statement.

It’s an idea that is completely yours. That you feel passionate about.

Most people only come up with one or two really great ideas in a lifetime, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t pop into your head immediately.

So what should your BIG IDEA be?

a) It should give people a reason to care

If you talk about the breeding habits of the carpenter ant… while it might be fascinating to you, it doesn’t exactly stir people’s curiosity.

Use intriguing, provocative questions to identify why something doesn’t make sense and needs explaining.

If you can reveal a disconnection in someone’s worldview, they’ll feel the need to bridge that knowledge gap.

b) Build your Talking Points with Familiar Concepts

Build your idea with familiar talking points.

Your idea needs to be relatable to your audience.

Again, not a lot of people (except maybe biologists) would care about the mating habits of carpet ants.

Think about who you are speaking to and use language that resonates with your audience.

c) State Your Big Idea In a Catchy Way

If your idea can be stated in a catchy way, viewers will pay more attention and remember it more easily.

If you need inspiration, study some of the best copywriters and how they catch your attention.

d) Use Storytelling Techniques

To re-create your idea in the minds of your listeners, you’ll need vivid examples, illustrations, and stories.

It’s well known that people are more likely to remember patterns, examples, and stories.

They may not remember exactly what you said, but they certainly remember how you said it and how you illustrated your point.

Examples of things you want to think about in your talk:

• What’s one assumption you’d like to challenge?
• What belief has changed, and why?
• What does everyone miss when they think about my area of interest or expertise?
• a snippet of conversation
• a quote
• a story that relates to your idea
• a fact or data that supports your idea
• a metaphor or analogy that helps explain it
• a personal moment in your relationship with the idea

Basically, anything that comes to your mind at this stage should be collected.

Don’t worry yet about which materials will end up in your talk.

This is the phase where you just want to collect input and write them down. You never know what idea will end up being useful.

Your brain isn’t meant to collect ideas and evaluate them at the same time. Intake everything for now; you’ll have a chance to evaluate later.

There’s this story of how the members of Aerosmith would spend one day a week sitting around talking about their very worst ideas.

While most of the ideas were garbage, some of their most iconic songs came out of this process, songs like Dude Looks Like a Lady.

So don’t feel embarrassed. Write down all your ideas and somewhere you will pan out the gold.

Step 2: Organize Your Thoughts

Organizing any speech is tricky, and a TED talk is particularly so because TED talks can take on any form.

Just like that English essay, you need to structure your persuasive argument.

You need to take all the materials and points you’ve collected and collect them into a formulated structure.

You can do this in many ways:

• Create an outline in a Google document. Arrange all your major points on a piece of paper.
• Write each major point on flashcards and put them in the order you think best fits. (The great thing about flashcards is it’s easy to rearrange them to test out different structures.)
• If you’re an audio person, the best way might be to record yourself as you speak. Don’t worry if you ramble. Just get all your points out of your head and captured.

Try any other method that works for you.

How will you know when the order is good?

Test… test… and more testing.

But don’t worry about that now. That comes later.

You won’t find the best way to organize your speech the first time around.

Why?

Because nobody gets it right the first time.

Your goal is to convey your message to your audience in an interesting and compelling way.

You want to pay special attention to your opening and close.

An effective way to begin any speech (not just a TED talk) is to grab your audience’s attention right from the start. Make them sit up in their seats.

Several ways to do this are with:

• a human interest story:
• a surprising statistic
• an unexpected observation
• thought-provoking question.

There are probably some great attention-grabbers in the material you collected.

Pick one that you particularly like, and flag it as a possible opening for your talk. It should be like a great opening in a book. You’ll know it when you see it.

As for the close, you’ll probably want to end your talk in a positive, forward-looking way.

TED Talks should have one clear takeaway, something that the audience can apply to their own life.

This is often done by:

• calling the audience to take action
• painting a hopeful picture of the future
• a story that has run through your talk

Step 3: Write a Draft of Your Speech

Now you have the outline or the beginning of your speech, you should write it up.

When I’m writing a speech, I like to talk it out loud and type up what I’m saying as I’m saying it.

Why?

So I can hear what the speech sounds like.

Something might look good on a piece of paper but sound horrible out loud – or at least be awkward.

If you have a voice dedication software like Dragon Dictation, it can be a good way of killing two birds with one stone – you get a written version and the benefit of saying it.

Why record yourself talking instead of just writing out the speech?

Because most of us are taught to write in a formal manner but when we talk we are a lot more casual.

We use slang and contractions and fragmented sentences to illustrate our points.

Protip: As you do this step, pay particular attention to your different speech patterns and how some patterns can be used more effectively.

Once you’ve finished writing your speech, you should say it aloud to yourself several times.

Your speech should have at least several really powerful, punchy lines. How do you know if they are punchy enough?

When I worked at TEDx Stanley Park, the producer encouraged the speakers to speak in Tweetable sentences.

Can you imagine what you say being sent out in a tweet by the audience? If not, consider changing the wording.

Step 4: Test Your Ted Talk

The point of this step is to get feedback on how to improve the structure and clarity of your draft.

Ask someone you trust to give you honest feedback to listen to your talk.

Give them one cold reading and then ask them:

• Did I explain my idea clearly?
• Was there anything in my talk that you didn’t follow?
• Was there anything you didn’t understand?
• Did anything seem out of place?
• Did I lose your interest anywhere?

Based on your listener’s feedback, make changes that will improve your draft.

This is really where the magic happens.

Stephen King says editing is to kill your darling.

You should edit without mercy. Nobody gets their speech right the first time so don’t become discouraged.

Protip: Trust your instincts. If something seems out of place to you, it probably is. Try moving it to a different part of your talk or even skipping it and see if that works better. As you listen and watch more TED Talks, your instinct for what works and what doesn’t will get better.

Try out your new draft on somebody else and get their feedback. Repeat these steps as often as needed until your talk has taken a satisfying shape.

Remember a speech is never going to be perfect and that’s okay. You should keep positive and reaffirm yourself that your audience will love this talk.

Try out your speech at local Rotary or Toastmaster events.

Practice it in front of anybody who will listen and video tape it so you can watch yourself. (I know it’s painful but trust me, it will help with your body language.)

And take feedback graciously. You will always be improving.

Now that you have a polished talk now what?

How do you get to the next step of actually finding a TED stage to perform on?

Step 5: Write a Book

Of course, this step isn’t completely necessary.

You don’t absolutely need a book to become a world-class TED speaker, but it certainly does help.

A book establishes your authority just like a TED talk does… only there is no barrier to entry.

These days, you can write an ebook and get it published on Amazon with very little effort.

I won’t go into too much detail, but if you’d like to know more about how to write a book, check out my blog post HERE.

Your speech is already a perfect outline for your book.

All you need to do is elaborate and add some context to your speech!

Protip: Remember, your book doesn’t need to be 50,000 words long. You can easily create a short ebook that you can sell on amazon or use as a giveaway on your website.

A book helps promote yourself and your ideas to a global audience.

It also helps you get more speaking requests where you can practice your speaking ability and sharpen your speech.

I wrote extensively about this in another blog post HERE.

Step 6: Get Nominated Or Nominate Yourself

The most direct way to approach TED is through a nomination.

This is done either by someone else or yourself. When nominating yourself, TED requires a description of your “idea worth spreading” that your talk will focus on and links to videos of your previous speeches or presentations.

You can fill out a nomination form HERE

The nominations are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there are no deadlines.

If being nominated seems like a task within itself, try the TED Fellows Program.

What is the TED Fellows Program?

It’s a program that provides transformational support to a global network of 400 like-minded people around the world.

The program teaches people how to talk like TED.

Fellows are chosen through an open application program every year. A distinguished candidate is somebody with the following:

• Someone who has achieved something remarkable.
• An upstanding citizen
• A person with an innovative approach to solving world problems.

Step 7: Speak at a Local TEDx

The TED Fellowship Program is difficult to get into, much like securing a nomination.

But your chances of getting into a local TEDx event are much higher.

TEDx events are independently organized but TED endorsed showcases run in the same manner as the annual TED conference.

Do your research before choosing a TEDx event.

Not all TEDx conferences are created equal.

One may have a theme your talk would fit into perfectly. With a little research, you can find the TEDx event fit for you.

TEDx is like the minor league for the actual TED conference but don’t take them lightly.

They are usually well-produced and need to follow the TED guidelines.

To graduate to a fully-fledged TED Talk, you might need to work your way up through TEDx events.

Remember the better your TEDx Talk, the better your chance with TED.

Start by researching upcoming TEDx Events.

By the time you’re reading about an upcoming TEDx event on social media, it’s far too late to become a speaker.

Most TEDx events are extremely well organized and solidify their lineup and prepping their speakers at least six months in advance.

To find upcoming events, visit the TEDx event page to find out who’s running a program at least several months in the future.

Whichever path you choose…

You’re going to need a speech to show the organizers that you can deliver a TED experience.

But what goes into a TED Talk besides adhering to the 18 minutes time limit?

Investigate the Application Process. For some TEDx events, there’s an open call for speakers that’s available on their website.

And even for others that don’t issue an open call, many will consider proposals.

The secret is making sure your application stands out.

A prospective speaker should explain his idea, why is it new and why he is the one to deliver the speech. (Remember the Big Idea in step one?)

Protip: Spend some writing the proposal. Don’t just cut and paste from something you’ve found on the internet.  

You also need to respect the theme of the TEDx event.

Not all TEDx events have a stated theme, but some do so you should do your research beforehand to make sure your Big Idea fits in the parameters of the TEDx event.

If it doesn’t, don’t bother to apply. It will just be a waste of time.

Understand the Nature of TEDx. Like the TED conference, the goal of TEDx is to share “ideas worth spreading.” That generally doesn’t mean your company’s new app.

A lot of people want to sell something, promote their business or product, or are just trying to promote their career or their business.

That’s not the kind of speaker TED is seeking.

Instead, focus on how your story can add value to others and why you’re the right person to tell it.

And recognize that TEDx talks, while great publicity, will not be a direct money maker but you can leverage your speech to increase the worth of your personal brand.

Step 8: Market Yourself And Market Yourself Some More

You know the old saying from Glengarry Glen Ross, ABC – Always Be Closing. Well, I would like to add to that EBM – Always Be Marketing.

You want to build your brand so people will want to listen to you speak, no matter what the subject matter.

People want to hear Tim Ferris talk because of his brand.

You know whatever he talks about is going to be thoughtful and insightful.

Remember that TED wants remarkable speakers and so you must be remarkable.

Marketing yourself is by far one of the most important skills you can build.

You need to become a master at promoting yourself.

This may sound a tad egotistical but if you truly believe your Big Idea is worth sharing, you are really doing it in service of your audience.

When I was working for a TEDx Talk, one of the most important aspects to decide who should speak was the applicants’ personal brand.

The producers wanted to know if they could leverage that personal brand to get people out to their event because, although TED is a non-profit association, they still need to put bums in seats.

Keep Building Your Personal Branding

Always think about what your personal brand is and how you can communicate that to your audience.

• What sort of authority can you bring to the table?
• How do you communicate to your audience?
• What type of message does your website convey?

(Please tell me you have a personal website that explains who you are, your Big Idea and your qualifications.)

How do you build a personal brand? One of the best and quickest way is through social media.

Work Your Social Media Magic

You need to spend some time connecting and interacting with people on social media.

Think critically about what you share and post. Do not just post random articles that you find interesting.

Everything should be brand building. Now please don’t confuse us with selling because you deftly should not be selling on social media all the time.

Share your ideas through blogging, Tweeting, Instagramming, and Facebooking so that you start to build a buzz.

You should probably think of a way to optimize your social media accounts through a social media tool such as Hootsuite, buffer or social be. This will save you time and allow you to spread your brand message better.

Do you Have an Email List?

You should be sending out regular emails to your audience with informative blog posts, book recommendations and other content marketing that will establish yourself as the expert in your field.

Email marketing is an incredibly effective tool that allows you to cut through the clutter and send branding messages straight to people’s inboxes.

To grow your email list you will need a sign-up form on your website and some way of driving traffic to your sign-up form.

The more exposure you get online the easier it is for TED to book you.

Networking

One way to land a TEDx talk is to be a friend or colleague of the organizer (or of a past speaker, who may be able to recommend you).

Always network with other speakers and coaches.

A great way to do this is through a Toastmasters event.

Build relationships with other speakers while practicing your presentation and speech-giving skills.

The 4 Most Impactful TED Talks of All Time

TED talks help you grow personally and professionally. Listening to experts in a field increase your general knowledge, boost creativity and broaden your mind. But which are the most impactful TED talks of all time? Here are four that people couldn’t stop sharing.

1. Do Schools Kill Creativity? By Sir Ken Robinson

Ken Robinsons TED talk was the first to ever reach 10 million views. During his presentation, he questions the current education system that seems to undermine creativity, instead of nurturing it.

Watch the TED talk here.

2. How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek

How do you create an inspirational leader? Simon Sinek has the answer which starts with the simple question ‘’why?’’. Apple, Martin Luther King Jr and the Wright Brothers feature as examples in his talk.

Watch the TED talk here.

3. The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown

Brene Brown delves deep into the human connection and how we love, try to belong and empathize with others.

During this entertaining talk, she shares insights from her studies and her own quest to know herself and humanity.

Watch the TED talk here.

4. Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator by Tim Urban

Tim Urban happily talks about being a master procrastinator himself.

While he knows it doesn’t make sense, he’s never been able to shake the habit of leaving things to the last minute. Join him while he talks about YouTube rabbit holes and bouts of staring out the window and maybe learn a bit about why you do it yourself.

Watch the TED talk here.

If you can’t get enough of TED Talks, we put together an infographic of some more of the best ones to watch which will hopefully give you some ideas on what topic you could present and how to structure your speech. Enjoy!

Conclusion

If you do get turned down, keep trying and trying and trying.

Don’t get discouraged.

Sometimes it takes years to get to the big stage.

Be persistent and dogged in your determination.

It’s worth the work as most people’s career exploded after they speak on a TED platform.

You ask anybody who has spoken and they will usually gush about the experience.

There are many TEDx events throughout the year, and there are thousands around the world.

If you make the effort to target your proposals and are persistent, your great idea will soon start spreading.