Don’t let AI write your TEDx application, and whatever you do, don’t let it write your final talk. All those snazzy adjectives may sound smooth but there is no quicker way to sounds like everyone else. Be you- stick to your funky style, tell that weird but wonderful story- your own voice is the one thing guaranteed to make you stand out.

TEDx organizer and coach, Tessa Rawson explains why the 18minute limit for TED talks is no longer really relevant. The average length of a TEDx talk is now closer to 15 minutes- Tessa explains how to figure out how long yours should be.

Tessa Rawson, an experienced TEDx organizer and coach, explores all the reasons you should do a TEDx talk. At the end of the day, it’s an incredible personal achievement, but if you’re a founder or a leader, there’s a powerful business case for being on the TEDx stage.

The idea of finding your ‘big’ TEDx idea is really intimidating. Tessa Rawson, a 12 year TEDx organizers and speaker coach, breaks down what you really need to find to get on the TEDx stage- it doesn’t need to be a big idea, it can actually be something pretty small- maybe just a change in perspective- but when scaled up to that potential audience of millions, can have a huge impact.

How do you know which TEDx event to apply to? There is a huge variety in TEDx events- some are close to the TED main conference in their size and scope, some are tiny local or college events run by first time organizers. The videos all end up in the same place- Tessa Rawson helps you understand how TEDx events are organized and where you should apply.

There are no new ideas- Tessa Rawson uses the Bullshit button to show why that is not the case.

A great TEDx talk is a gift to the audience. Tessa Rawson can help you figure out how to find your idea.

TEDx has guidelines for speakers to help ensure the quality of their talks and the events organized by TEDx license holders. They include no selling form the stage and no extreme religious or policial agendas.

Tessa Rawson celebrating her first TEDx event in Basel, Switzerland in 2013. She has organized 5 TEDx events and put over 100 speakers on the TEDx stage.

The fastest way to the TEDx stage is with the TEDx Application Kit - a monthly list of all TEDx events that are currently accepting applications in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada & Australia (plus a few extras!)

Most people never speak on the TEDx stage - not because they are not capable, or don’t have a good idea- they put too many road blocks in front of them before they apply. You don’t need to have your TEDx talk written before you apply. You just need a great idea!

The question- what is it about TED? Doing a TED or a TEDx talk is a bucket list item for many people. People dream of doing a TEDx- Tessa Rawson helps you make it a reality.

‍ A beautiful view of a beach in the Bahamas. Tess uses the the device of finding a small moment as a gateway to your story rather than trying to reduce your life story to 10 minutes. Tess is a public speaking coach, TEDx coach and storytelling coach.

An image of Tessa Rawson - TEDx coach and organizer- on stage at a TEDx event. The image is digitally altered to demonstrate why using ChatGTP to write your talk is problematic.

It can take much longer than you expect to get a TEDx talk. It is realistic to expect to get your talk within 1-2 years- that means you need to start applying today!

A door is an excellent metaphor for the introduction and conclusion of your talk. It needs to welcome you in, and be sure not to slam it shut when you’re done.

In this article Tessa, explains the three most likely reasons you are not getting a TEDx talk

The biggest barrier to getting on the TEDx stage is time. You are very unlikely to get the first event you apply to, or the second, or the fifth. But don’t give up- keep refining your idea and KEEP APPLYING!

Are you planning to do a TEDx one day or are you applying today?