How to Land and Leverage a TEDx Talk

Welcome back to my LinkedIn newsletter! In a recent newsletter, I talked about how to get booked on podcasts, and why being a great guest starts long before you sit down behind a mic. But if you’re looking for an even more powerful platform to share your message and build your credibility, TEDx talks are one of the most effective tools out there.

TEDx events can be a major milestone in your brand-building journey, but only if you approach them strategically. In a conversation with members of the Recognized Expert community, we broke down what it really takes to land a TEDx talk, how to prepare for it, and what to expect once you hit the stage. Here is my most recent TEDx talk: The real reason you feel so busy.

What makes a TEDx talk different

Unlike a keynote or motivational speech, a TEDx talk isn’t about selling your services or sharing your entire backstory. It’s about conveying a single, focused “idea worth spreading.” That idea needs to be specific, globally relevant, and clearly communicated. TEDx organizers are curators—they’re looking for ideas that are crisp, novel, and accessible to a broad audience. You want to aim for resonance, not just inspiration.

How to get booked

One of the best ways to start is by browsing the TEDx event directory on the official TED site. Look for events that have upcoming application deadlines and themes that align with your message. The application process usually includes:

• A one or two sentence summary of your core idea

• A brief video (even a simple webcam intro is fine)

• A short abstract or outline

It’s important to pitch broadly. Apply to multiple events, and customize your application to each event’s theme when possible. Many successful speakers have applied to dozens before getting a yes—so don’t take rejections personally.

Preparing for the talk

Once you’re accepted, the work really begins. Unlike a typical talk, TEDx events usually require full memorization. That means weeks (or months) of scripting, revising, rehearsing, and refining. Many events assign speaker coaches, but even if they don’t, it’s smart to get outside feedback early.

Practice in front of real people. Record yourself and watch it back. Treat the talk as a performance: your pacing, gestures, and visuals all matter. And remember—TEDx talks are short (often under 10 minutes), so every word counts.

Why the video is everything

While the live audience is great, the long-term value of a TEDx talk lies in the video. Your talk may be uploaded to the TEDx YouTube channel, where it has the potential to reach thousands or millions of viewers over time. That makes your delivery, lighting, audio, and visuals critical.

Before applying, look up past videos from the TEDx events you’re considering. Do they meet your standards for quality? Are they well-lit, well-produced, and clearly audible? Not all TEDx events are created equal, and a strong video asset is what makes the experience worth it.

Landing a TEDx talk isn’t about luck. It’s about clarity, persistence, and preparation. And when done right, it can become one of the most enduring pieces of thought leadership in your portfolio.

If you’d like more insights on building your platform and sharing your message, sign up for my email list at dorieclark.com/subscribe.

Wishing you health and success,

Dorie