HOW TO BECOME A TEDx SPEAKER

Applications are currently closed. Please stay tuned for information when we will audition!

 
 

Application Dates

Applications are currently closed, but please read on about our process.

The TEDxStLouis Speaker Team will review all applications and select about 30 individuals to audition live.

Please read these instructions before applying

What a TEDx talk is NOT:

  • TEDx talks are not motivational speeches.

  • TEDx talks are not just storytelling about a personal journey. If you are including your personal story, it must lead to a new surprising idea or concept to qualify for consideration.

  • TEDx talks are not a promotional opportunity to showcase your company or brand.

  • TEDx talks are not religious or political.


What makes a good TEDx talk:

  • TEDx talks take certain evidence or observations and draws a conclusion.

  • TEDx talks present an idea that is new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about.

  • TEDx talks can take a great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives.


 
 

How to Prepare for Your Audition:

TEDxStLouis aims to source innovators and trailblazers, especially in the fields of technology, entertainment and design to give a TEDx talk at our upcoming event.  We look for speakers who are passionate, engaging, and have the ability to tell a compelling story. Speakers must also have an intrinsic connection to the St. Louis region.

  • Auditioners get 3 minutes to present their idea without the aid of A/V equipment (but you can describe proposed graphics). Please adhere to the 3 minute maximum out of respect for fellow auditioners.

  • Begin by introducing yourself, your general topic, and your credentials that make you an expert on this topic. In other words, make us want to hear what you have to say.

  • Come prepared to deliver an ‘elevator pitch’ of your idea along with a quick review of your background.

  • Stage presence and ability to relate a concise and engaging idea will be weighed heavily.

_MG_8213.jpg
 
 

MORE INFO

Types of talks

The big idea: The talks that make one or two very strong points, and it’s important. Examples: Bryan Stevenson, Onora O'Neill, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The tech demo: An onstage look at some clever new invention that the speaker was a part of creating. Examples: Tan Le, Markus Fischer, Raffaello D'Andrea

The performance: Music, dance, magic, puppetry, or some other performance to captivate the audience. Examples: Usman Riaz + Preston Reed, Arthur Benjamin, Pilobolus

The artist’s statement: In these talks, artists showcase their art and explain the meaning and process behind what they create. Examples: Raghava KK, Liu Bolin, Aparna Rao

The “dazzle with wonder”: These talks are mainly about the amazement of science and discovery. Examples: Yoav Medan, Marcus Byrne, Janna Levin

The small idea: These talks are not about one big, world-changing idea, but instead a very engaging take on an interesting topic. Examples: Mary Roach, Joe Smith, Charlie Todd

The “issue” talk: These talks expose the audience to an issue that they may not otherwise know much about. Examples: Rodrigo Canales, Lawrence Lessig, Rose George

Determination will be made with the intention of creating an inclusive and equitable community of thought leaders.  We want the audience to discover the innovation that is happening in this region, be inspired by people doing cool things in other fields and ask 'what can I do that will make a difference'.

 

What is a TEDx Talk?

A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes.

Why under 18 minutes?

This short talk model works, since it only demands the audience's attention for a short period of time, decreasing the chance of minds wandering or daydreaming about lunch. In fact, some of our greatest TED Talks have been as short as 5 minutes long!

What is a great, well-formed idea?

It can actually be one of two things:

  • Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about.

  • A great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives.

In other words, an idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.

Rules to remember:

  • No selling from the stage.

  • No political agendas.

  • No religious proselytizing (including new age beliefs).

  • Only good science.