Discovering how to land a TED Talk can boost your author credibility and build your platform. How do I know this? I used to work with individuals to help them land TED Talks to build their brand and get their message into the world.
In fact, landing a TED (or TEDx) Talk is a rite of passage for many authors, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Just look at our CEO’s TEDx Talk on how to write a book in a weekend:
His success didn’t start or stop there, but TED acted as a type of launching pad. With six bestselling books to date and a thriving business helping authors succeed, he’s a self-publishing success story.
Learning how to land a TED Talk can help you become a success story, too. Let’s talk about how to do so!
How to land a TED Talk: what you need to know
- How do you get selected for a TED Talk?
- How to land a TEDx Talk?
- Advice from past speakers
- How do you begin a TED Talk?
- How much does it cost to give a TED Talk?
How do you get selected for a TED Talk?
To get selected to give a TED Talk you must apply with a standout idea that resonates with TED’s brand. TED stands for technology, entertainment, and design.
For writers, learning how to land a TED Talk can greatly enhance their book sales and author credibility. If you want to make money publishing books on Amazon, establishing yourself as a credible name in your field is crucial.
You might say, well my book isn’t about technology. I have good news! By nature, books entertain, so you’re in the clear.
Additionally, these subjects are broad, allowing speakers from a multiplicity of backgrounds to apply to stand in the coveted red dot associated with famous TED Talks.
Typically, when learning how to land a TED Talk, you will need to focus on your key idea and ensure it hits the various points TED looks for in applicants.
Just as there are popular book genres on Amazon, there are popular talks on TED. When I worked with clients to help them land their talks, it was crucial they pitch themselves in a way that compared to past talks but also presented a new angle or fresh perspective.
Many people who are selected want to share a message that goes wide—reaching a broad audience rather than a niché one. So, how to land a TED Talk?
How to land a TEDx Talk?
While there is no magic answer to how to land a TED or TEDx Talk (independently organized events), there are ten specific steps you can take to ensure you have the best chance possible of getting selected.
1. Know exactly what you want to say
If you want to know how to land a TED Talk, you need to know what you want to say. In this step, brainstorm, just as you would when you learned how to write a novel. What you have to say does not need to be exceptionally unique, but it does need to be novel enough to interest TED.
Remember that a large part of knowing what you want to say stems from who you are and your own story. When presenting a TED Talk, it’s your character development in the spotlight.
2. Articulate how you message will help your audience
While sharing your story or something you’ve learned can be helpful, the key to learning how to land a TED Talk is articulating exactly how your message will benefit your audience.
Ask yourself:
- What pain point am I speaking to?
- What action step will they walk away with?
- How will their lives change from listening to my talk?
Ensure your talk answers these questions.
3. Strip your message to the bare bones
Next up, to learn how to land a TED Talk that sticks in your audiences’ minds, strip it down to the bare bones. Your message needs to be clear, concise, and memorable. After all, you only have eighteen minutes to give it!
4. Research TED Talks that continue to do well
When writing your book, you may have researched book genres that sell well. Do the same when studying up on how to land a TED Talk.
Dissect talks that continue to bring in views, such as Brené Brown’s or Simon Sinek’s talk. This will show you what type of talks resonate and are evergreen, rather than a one hit wonder.
5. Practice public speaking
Of course, part of learning how to land a TED Talk means learning how to be comfortable enough speaking onstage that you can present your talk well. Practice public speaking every chance you get to set yourself up for success.
6. Request constructive criticism
If you have an author website, chances are you looked for feedback on it before you published and shared it with the world. There are many benefits of constructive criticism, particularly when you need your idea to be top notch. Be intentional about asking for feedback.
7. Create a memorable phrase to focus on
Have you heard the phrase, “Start with why?” This is from Simon Sinek’s TEDx Talk. Sinek is a prolific writer and speaker, known for this phrase. Create a phrase your audience can hang onto.
8. Complete your TEDx application
I have worked with countless individuals on their TEDx Talk applications. Starting with a TEDx Talk is a fantastic way to work yourself up to giving a TEDx Talk. It’s a smaller stage, and your changes of getting in are much higher.
Tip: To learn how to land a TED Talk, you may want to start by landing a TEDx Talk. Briefly mentioned above, these are locally hosted events and independently organized.
9. Submit many applications
Particularly for those traditionally publishing, understanding what literary agents are looking for takes querying many, many agents. The creative industry is subjective, so don’t be afraid to submit to many TEDx/TED events. The more you submit, the higher your chances of success!
10. Never give up
And of course…never, never give up. Don’t expect to get in on the first try, but do pour your heart into it as if you may. You never know which application will get that YES!
Advice from past speakers
What’s a better way to learn how to land a TED Talk than to consider advice from those who have done so?
Bassam Tarazi
Tarazi was the final speaker at TEDx Salem and spoke on his book. He has distinct advice regarding how to prepare as well, including how to practice.
“Your job is to make a memorized, methodical, meticulous talk feel like a free flowing expression of you. Practice while distracted. You never know what will throw you off during your talk.”
Part of the success of Tarazi’s talk was learning how to present even if distracted. To land a talk, it’s crucial to share who you are and why your message matters in your application. In other words, to borrow from Tarazi’s phraseology, it should “feel like a free flowing expression of you.”
Nausheen I. Chen
Chen is a three-time TEDx speaker. With a standout three times in the ring, her advice is worth considering. She says,
“Drafting your outline means cutting everything that doesn’t serve a purpose…If you’re covering a variety of topics, a TED style talk won’t work well.”
This goes back to point number 3, strip your message down to the bare bones. When learning how to land a TED Talk, this point is absolutely vital. Without a clear message, your application will likely receive a quick no. To remedy this, simply be clear on the one message you want to share.
Gina Barnett
One coach for TED speakers, Gina Barnett, highlighted the importance of remembering the audience is for you. This is a great tip to consider when coming up with your idea and writing your application.
You don’t need to prove you are likeable. You need to prove your idea is worth sharing. Once you step onto that red dot, remember the audience is rooting for you and your idea has already been vetted.
Now speak with confidence! Barnett says, “The TED audience…is totally on your side.”
How do you begin a TED Talk?
Begin your TED Talk the same way you would begin a book about your life or even your thriller—with something that grabs the audience’s attention.
You have eighteen minutes to grab their attention, keep their attention, and communicate your idea, so don’t waste a single second. You can even consider testing your opener with past beta readers who are accustomed to giving you feedback.
How much does it cost to give a TED Talk?
Giving a TED Talk is free, but learning how to give a TED Talk, getting yourself to the speaking location, and preparing your talk does take time and financial investment.
However, the benefits of learning how to land a TED Talk that resonates with your audience can change the trajectory of your author career. A TED Talk is a fantastic book marketing tool, way to build your platform, and establishes you as a credible professional.
Plus, your talk has the potential of bringing in millions of views. This is a sure way to boost those book sales and also, the impact of your message.
How to land a TED Talk: take your next step today
Ready to land a TED Talk to boost your platform and become a successful author? Take our free Publishing Path Assessment to determine which publishing route is best for you!
