Is TEDx Worth It?
Achieving TED status is not for everyone. It takes a lot of time and energy, and most speakers pay consultants thousands of dollars for coaching and speechwriting.
TED organizers are looking for speakers with powerful ideas that will change their audiences’ perspectives. They aren’t interested in motivational talks or a long list of accomplishments.
1. It’s a great way to network
Many people believe that a great TED Talk can propel them into internet fame. They can then turn that internet fame into business opportunities and become a sought-after speaker. And this isn’t a myth: Thousands of entrepreneurs, lawyers, teachers, doctors, personal trainers, and even actors have done TED Talks.
One of the best things about TED is that it’s a place where people can share their ideas in a creative, exciting way. But the most important thing is that a TED talk provides breadcrumbs to lead your audience into your larger message.
For example, a good title should be like a trailer that draws the audience in. Then your speech should leave them wanting more, and then you can use your social media channels, website, book, or coaching to lead them in the right direction. If you follow these tips, your TEDx talk can be a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals.
2. It’s a great way to get your message out
A TED talk is one of the best ways to get your message out. It’s a platform that reaches millions of people, and it can help you build a following and get more business.
In order to do a TED talk, you need to have an interesting idea that is worth sharing. It’s not just about the experience you have or your education, it’s about the unique insight that you have.
You also need to make sure that your idea is aligned with TED’s mission of “ideas worth spreading.” For example, you can’t discuss politics or religion on the TED stage, and you can’t share pseudoscience.
You’ll want to make sure that your talk is well-practiced, and you’ll need a good media kit. This includes a bio, headshot, and a video of you speaking. This will help the speaker bookers and audience members see that you are serious about your topic. Then, they’ll be more likely to work with you.
3. It’s a great way to get feedback
Getting feedback on your TEDx talk from people outside of your immediate circle can help you improve it. Reach out to fellow speakers, or even TEDx event organizers, to get their insight on your topic and what makes a good TEDx talk. This will also give you a chance to get first-hand knowledge about the process of applying and giving a TEDx talk.
TEDx is a series of independently run events that feature talks in the TED format, which are six to eighteen minutes long and focused on ideas worth spreading. The big TED conference only happens once a year and has an intense process to be accepted to speak, but anyone can run a TEDx event.
TEDx is an amazing way to boost your credibility as a speaker and grow your speaking career. Keep up the momentum by posting TEDx news, speaker updates, and other information about your event online. You can also host salon events (weekly or monthly gatherings where TEDx talks are screened and discussed) to maintain interest in your community.
4. It’s a great way to learn
TED talks are up to 18-minute powerful videos that teach you something new. They are available on the TED website and have been viewed over a billion times worldwide. TED talks are one of the best ways to learn about new ideas and subjects. They are also a great way to learn public speaking skills.
A TED talk can help you position yourself as a global thought leader and can help you to get more speaking opportunities, book deals, media attention and more. It can even lead to a job offer or a business deal.
But it’s important to remember that TED talks aren’t just for well-known speakers with big followings and bestselling books. In fact, some TED speakers don’t have any followers or a bestselling book at all (such as Brene Brown and Simon Sinek). To improve your chances of being selected for a TEDx talk, be sure to watch plenty of talks and study the format.