Tedx events transform local ideas into global conversations through carefully designed formats and guidelines. Understanding the core rules helps speakers, organizers, and audiences create meaningful, high quality experiences.
These principles support clarity, creativity, and credibility, whether you are preparing your first talk or producing a large scale event.
| Aspect | Requirement | Purpose | Consequence of Ignoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topic Focus | One compelling idea in under 18 minutes | Maintain audience attention and deliver insight | Confusing or rushed messaging |
| Speaker Diversity | Balance gender, region, and expertise | Provide multiple perspectives and inclusivity | Limited view and reduced community trust |
| Independent Review | Selection by advisory board, not sponsors | Guard against bias and preserve integrity | Perceived conflict of interest |
| Copyright License | Creative Commons Attribution | Enable sharing and adaptation | Restricted reuse and legal uncertainty |
Content Guidelines and Authenticity Standards
Originality and Evidence
Tedx requires original research or lived experience supported by credible sources. Speakers must avoid plagiarism and disclose partnerships or affiliations transparently.
Local Context with Global Relevance
Talks should emerge from local stories or insights while connecting to universal questions or trends. This approach helps diverse audiences relate and apply the ideas beyond the event.
Event Organization and Operational Rules
Licensing and Independence
Each event must obtain a local license and operate independently from commercial or political entities. Organizers follow brand guidelines while preserving editorial control over speakers and topics.
Duration, Format, and Accessibility
Events typically feature short talks limited to 18 minutes, with a maximum of two sessions per event. Organizers provide subtitles, transcripts, and reasonable accommodations to broaden reach and impact.
Ethical, Legal, and Community Responsibilities
Ethics and Safety
Speakers adhere to ethical standards, avoiding hate speech, harassment, or harmful misinformation. Events maintain safe environments and clear codes of conduct for participants and staff.
Maximizing Impact and Long Term Value
- Focus on one clear, testable idea that can inspire action beyond the event
- Use stories, data, and visuals to make complex concepts accessible
- Respect time limits and practice with diverse audiences for feedback
- Engage with post event discussion and reuse content under open licenses
- Collaborate with organizers early to align on goals, ethics, and production needs
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I propose a talk idea for a local event?
Submit a concise proposal through the event website, outlining your core idea, personal background, and why it matters to the community. The advisory team reviews ideas for originality, fit, and impact.
Can I include product pitches or fundraising in my talk? Tedx talks should focus on ideas rather than sales or direct fundraising. Commercial messages, calls to purchase, or explicit donation appeals are generally not permitted. What happens after my talk is selected?
You will work with organizers on coaching, rehearsals, and final edits. Production teams handle recording, editing, and publishing under a Creative Commons license on official platforms.
How long is the preparation timeline for speakers?
Preparation often spans several weeks or months, including idea development, rehearsals, and feedback sessions. Organizers provide milestones to keep speakers and events on schedule.