TEDx Topics for Leaders

While a great presentation requires lots of work, creating a high-stakes TED talk takes even more. TED talks are 18 minutes long—a length that was chosen by TED organizers based on both neuroscience and strategy.

Dan Gilbert starts his TED talk with a staggering fact to capture the audience’s attention. This strategy is effective because it activates both hemispheres of the brain.

1. The art of story-telling

Good storytelling is an art. It can make you laugh, weep, or even stay up past your bedtime reading. Despite its elusive nature, it can be taught. From story structures to style advice, this TED talk gives you everything you need to master the art of story-telling.

TED Talks cover diverse topics and issues, including technology, science, design, education, activism, business, society, and child development. They are a great way to learn about new ideas and innovations from people around the world.

TEDx organizers want speakers who can keep their audience engaged. To prove that you’re ready, put together a media kit with your best materials.

2. The power of empathy

Using empathy and curiosity, leaders can build bridges that increase trust and engagement. It can also help them diffuse anger and other strong emotions.

Empathy is a natural human response that helps us connect with and understand others. However, it’s important to know that empathy is not the same as sympathy. In this TEDTalk, Mary Roach explains what empathy is and how it can be used to improve our lives.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share ideas around a common theme. These events are based on the TED format and must follow a set of guidelines to be licensed as a TEDx event.

3. The power of optimism

Optimism is an important skill for leaders. It helps them be more resilient in the face of adversity and enables them to stay energized, broaden their awareness, and build stronger relationships. Optimism is also linked to better health, as it encourages people to take action and tackle problems head-on.

You don’t have to be a born optimist, though. You can learn to be more positive by focusing on what’s going well and thinking about how things will improve. This is called “realistic optimism.” People who practice this approach tend to feel more satisfied with their lives and are healthier than those who are pessimists.

4. The power of storytelling

Harnessing the power of storytelling enables you to connect with your audience, inspire change, and move people into action. Whether through written words, visual arts, or spoken tales, stories can spark imagination and foster empathy.

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). Founded in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment, and Design converged, TED today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues.

TEDx events are independently organized conferences where speakers present on their passions and interests. Talks are not censored, but must adhere to a set of rules and guidelines.

5. The power of storytelling

Whether around the campfire or on a digital screen, storytelling is an ancient practice that is key to human communication and persuasion. This fascinating new book by Ty Bennett dives into the mindset, skillset and toolset of influential communication.

TED Talks are a powerful tool for educators to introduce new ideas to their students. However, it can be challenging to find the right talks for your class. This list of 8 TED Talks for Kids will entertain and amaze your students while also teaching them about the world around them.

Messaging Expert Cathlyn Melvin helps mission-driven personal brands design and deliver their world-changing messages through TEDx coaching and done-for-you copywriting services.

6. The power of storytelling

From Aristotle’s Poetics to Shakespeare, Lin-Manuel Miranda to Taylor Swift, and from research studies to the design of cities, the power of storytelling has been proven again and again. Yet storytelling is rarely taught in planning masters programs, and few companies value or prioritize storytelling as an integral part of their strategy.

As a TEDx Speaker Coach, I’ve helped dozens of clients get booked at TED and TEDx events. More than credentials or speaking skills, a strong, compelling topic is essential to getting booked. It’s what separates good speakers from amazing ones. The right topic can make the difference between a talk that lands on a TED website and one that goes nowhere.