Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

4 Easy Steps to Get You on TEDx Talks Lights! Camera! Action! Here's how to get there.

By Jonathan Li Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Johnathan Li | Facebook

Being a TEDx speaker helps spread your message and make a bigger impact. You become a thought leader, get more speaking gigs and leave a legacy.

Related: 7 Powerful Public Speaking Tips From One of the Most-Watched TED Talks Speakers

What is TEDx? It was created in the spirit of TED's mission for "ideas worth spreading." TEDx supports independent organizers striving to create a TED-like event in their own community.

I myself was fortunate to speak at TEDx in Hong Kong earlier this year. After doing that and interviewing some of the best TEDx speakers, I created a formula for how others can spread their own ideas and get on TEDx talks. I call it my "Spread Your IDEA formula."

Here are its components.

1. Identify your idea.

If you had one sentence to share with the world and the entire world would listen, what would you say? My TEDx talk idea was, "You can speak with confidence in three simple steps: prepare, practice, perform."

Till H. Gross and Ivan Joseph also gave a TEDx talk on self-confidence. Still, their ideas were fresh and interesting. Gross shared that you can become more confident by lying down on the street for 30 seconds. Joseph argued that the ability to believe in yourself is the key to success. Similar topics, different ideas.

What is your idea worth spreading?

2. Do your research.

Just as you would do before speaking to prospects and clients, you need to do research first.

Research TEDx events in your local area and choose which one to speak at. Focus on TEDx events that will be held in the next three to six months. Find out the event theme and make sure it relates to your idea worth spreading.

TEDx speaker Colin Stokes emphasized the importance of checking the past TEDx talk video production quality. Make sure the videos are professional. After all, your video will be online forever.

Related: 4 Motivating TED Talks to Help You Bounce Back From Failure

3. Elevate your chance.

Bruce Muzik said that, "For a TEDx organizer to take a risk with you, they want to see that you're a capable speaker."

TEDx organizers want to minimize risks. Show them how you look on stage by sending in a speaker demo video. Keep the video from two to 18 minutes in length so that the screeners will know you can express ideas effectively.

4. Adjust your pitch.

When the time comes to pitch to TEDx event organizers, think, "How can I stand out and become a TEDx speaker?"

Share your idea worth spreading. Explain why your idea is new. Have you simplified the process into a few simple steps? Do you have a powerful personal story?

Explain how your idea relates to the TEDx event theme. Offer two talk suggestions. Include your speaker demo video.

When you apply the Spread Your IDEA formula, you too can get on TEDx talks.

Related: Inspiring TED Talks Every Entrepreneur Should Watch

Jonathan Li

I Help Business Leaders Deliver Their Message Effectively, Confidently And Have The Impact They Want On Their Audience

Jonathan Li helps professionals conquer their fear of public speaking and improve their public speaking skills. To obtain his free report of "The Professional Kickstart Guide: The Exact Strategy I Use To Feel Comfortable Speaking In Public, go now to ImprovingPublicSpeaking.com." He can be reached at TheExpressiveLeader.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

You Have One Month Left to Buy a House, According to Barbara Corcoran. Here's Why.

"If you are planning on waiting a year and seeing where interest rates go, you are out of your mind," Corcoran said.

Business News

This New Restaurant Is Banking on One Dish — Because It's the Only Entrée on the Menu

The new hotspot is gaining buzz on social media for its innovative yet super simple concept.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Leadership

4 Bold Leadership Moves Every Successful CEO Uses to Navigate Change

Ready to turn fear into fuel and lead with confidence? In this article, I share how leaving my corporate job without a plan led me to build a thriving business. Learn four bold strategies to embrace uncertainty and turn challenges into opportunities for growth today.

Side Hustle

I Made $14,000 in 1 Week With a Spontaneous Halloween Costume Side Hustle — Here's How

Sabba Keynejad was in art school when he started to refine his entrepreneurial skills.