How to Land a TED Talk: Insider Tips from TED's Leadership

This post is based on Guy Kawasaki's interview with Monique Ruff-Bell on the Remarkable People Podcast

Landing a spot on the TED stage is one of the most coveted speaking opportunities in the world. In a revealing interview on Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Podcast, Monique Ruff-Bell, TED's Chief Program and Strategy Officer, shared valuable insights into what it takes to become a TED speaker. As someone who oversees both flagship TED events and TEDx programming, her perspective offers a unique window into the selection and preparation process.

The TED Ecosystem

For those who may not know, TED is short for Technology-Education-Design, which are the three areas that TED says are "collectively shaping the world." For additional history on TED, you can read here.

Before diving into how to land a talk, it's important to understand TED's structure:

• TED Flagship Events: These are the premium conferences held in Vancouver and Atlanta (TED Next), featuring 80 and 40-45 speakers respectively.

• TEDx Events: These are independently organized events in cities worldwide, run by volunteers who receive licenses from TED.

• Selection Rate: With approximately 20,000 speaker submissions and only about 120-200 speakers selected annually for flagship events, the acceptance rate is extremely competitive.

Three Paths to the TED Stage

According to Ruff-Bell, there are three main ways speakers get selected:

1. Direct Curation: TED's full-time curation team actively searches for speakers through research and industry monitoring.

2. Alumni Referrals: Past TED speakers can recommend new speakers.

3. Self-Nomination: Anyone can nominate themselves through the speaker nomination form at ted.com.

What Makes a Winning TED Talk Pitch

The key differentiator for successful applications is the strength and uniqueness of the idea. Here are the critical elements:

1. Originality: Research TED's vast archive to ensure your idea hasn't been covered before. TED won't platform repeat ideas, even if you're an excellent speaker.

2. Solution-Oriented Approach: While TED welcomes diverse viewpoints, speakers must present solutions rather than just criticisms.

3. Personal Connection: The most compelling talks start with a personal story that connects to the broader idea.

4. Single Focus: Successful TED talks concentrate on one clear, powerful idea rather than multiple concepts.

The Speaker Training Process

If selected, speakers undergo several months of training to perfect their presentations. Key aspects include:

• Talks can range from 5-18 minutes

• No teleprompters are allowed

• Notes are occasionally permitted but rarely shown in final videos

• Training focuses on storytelling and maintaining focus on a single idea

• All talks are filmed live at conferences, not in studios

What Makes a Talk Remarkable

According to Ruff-Bell, the first 10 seconds are crucial. The most successful speakers:

• Grab attention immediately with a personal story

• Connect their human experience to the broader concept

• Make the audience lean in from the very beginning

• Weave personal motivation throughout their narrative

The TEDx Strategy

While TEDx isn't officially a "farm system" for the main TED stage, it can be a valuable pathway:

• Many speakers, including Brené Brown, were discovered through TEDx

• TEDx events are more accessible with 3,000 events globally

• Speaking at TEDx doesn't disqualify you from a flagship talk, but you'll need a different idea

Pro Tips for Applicants

1. Do Your Research: Thoroughly review TED's archive to ensure your idea is unique.

2. Focus on the Idea: Your application should emphasize the novelty and impact of your idea rather than your speaking credentials.

3. Solution-Focused: Frame your talk around solutions and positive change rather than just identifying problems.

4. Develop Your Story: Craft a compelling personal narrative that connects to your broader message.

5. Start Local: Consider beginning with TEDx events to gain experience and visibility.

The Bottom Line

Landing a TED talk requires a combination of a truly unique idea, careful preparation, and authentic storytelling. While the selection process is highly competitive, understanding these elements can help you craft a more compelling application and presentation.

Remember: TED isn't just looking for polish and credentials—they're looking for ideas that can change everything. Focus on developing and articulating your unique perspective and solution-oriented approach, and you'll be better positioned for consideration.