Speaking at TEDx? Ask these 7 questions ASAP
Congratulations! You’re speaking at TEDx!
You know that person who called or emailed you to confirm that you’re speaking at TEDx? Maybe it was the TEDx Organizer, curator, or producer — that person. I’ll call them the “TEDx Organizer” in this blog for the sake of simplicity.
Here are 7 questions to ask your TEDx Organizer after you’ve been confirmed to speak at TEDx!
1. When can I announce that I’m speaking at your event?
You’re probably so excited to tell your friends, family, colleagues, and social media following that you’re speaking at TEDx. But your TEDx event might have a specific marketing plan for announcing speakers. Ask first before you tell the world.
2. What idea or topic do you want me to speak about?
Hopefully, you already know the answer to this question – but you should double check even if you think you know the answer. Most TEDx Organizers confirm people to speak about a specific idea (like “Solitary confinement is torture”), but they may confirm you to speak about a general topic (like, “Prison”) and then you chose the specific angle.
Regardless of their process, double check with your TEDx Organizer before you begin writing your script. You don’t want to spend weeks preparing a talk about solitary confinement, only to find out that the TEDx Organizer wanted you to speak about witness tampering. As my mom says, “Measure twice, cut once.” (Shout out to all the quilters reading this.)
If at any point in the process, you decide to change your idea or topic, always ask your TEDx Organizer first. TEDx is never a carte blanche invitation.
3. Do you have speaker coaches or should I hire one myself?
Some TEDx events employ world-class TEDx speaking experts like myself, some have volunteer coaches with a basic knowledge of public speaking, and some provide no coaching at all. Some coaches will spend loads of time with you; some meet with you once. This, like most things, varies dramatically from event to event.
If your organizer gives you a speaker coach, great. If not, you know where to find me.
4. What deadlines do I need to meet?
Most TEDx events have a speaker coaching schedule or set of deadlines for things like your rough draft, 1st draft, 2nd draft, final draft, group rehearsal, technical rehearsal, on-stage rehearsal, and so on. Ask for the list of deadlines, put them in your calendar, and then follow this sage advice from Shia LaBeouf.
5. How long should my TEDx Talk be?
“Aren’t all TEDx Talks 18 minutes long?” No. Definitely not. 18 minutes is the maximum length. The average is 13.5 minutes.
Ask your organizer how long your talk should be, and then write a talk that’s 1-2 minutes shorter than that (it’ll even out once you get on stage). If your TEDx Organizer doesn’t have a specific length in mind, follow me over to this article: How long should my TEDx Talk be?
6. Can I use slides? What are the tech specs?
Don’t make your slide deck until your TEDx Organizer has answered the questions below. Again, “Measure twice, cut once.”
- Powerpoint or Keynote? Either?
- 16:9 or 4:3?
- Videos embedded or separate?
7. Do speakers receive any complimentary tickets to the event? Or is there a discount code I can use?
When you’re up there on the TEDx stage, you want your whole squad in the audience – spouse, siblings, parents, children, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, colleagues, rivals. Some events provide a few complimentary tickets per speaker, and some have discount codes for speakers so they can get tickets on the cheap. It doesn’t hurt to ask – just be nice regardless of the answer!
Copy & Paste This List
I’ll make it easy for you. Copy & paste this list into an email, remove any questions they already answered (don’t be annoying!), and add a warm, friendly note up top.
- When can I announce that I’m speaking at your event?
- What idea or topic do you want me to speak about?
- Do you have speaker coaches or should I hire one myself?
- What deadlines do I need to meet? (Drafts, rehearsals, etc.)
- How long should my talk be?
- Can I use slides? What are the tech specs? (Powerpoint or Keynote? 16:9 or 4:3? Videos embedded or separate?)
- Do speakers receive any complimentary tickets to the event? Or is there a discount code I can use?
Now all you need to do is write a great TEDx Talk! I’ll be waiting for you right here.
HOW TO GET BOOKED TO SPEAK AT TEDX
Insider tips & proven strategies I’ve learned working with hundreds of TEDx Speakers and reviewing over 10,000 TEDx speaker applications.
HOW TO WRITE A SPEECH THAT ACTS LIKE A PITCH
You don't have to "sell from stage" to make the sale. A well-written talk should have people clamoring to work with you. Here's how:
