We want your remarkable ideas worth spreading!
Do you have a burning passion for something that the world needs to know about? Can you speak about it? Is it a remarkable idea worth spreading? Will it entertain, inspire and inform us all at the same time? Is it suited to a TED-like experience?
Do you have an amazing story to share or have you thrived in a crazy place?
We’re not looking for self-promoters or product pushers, we don’t want jargon, waffling or spouters of new age fluff. What we do want are riveting talks beautifully delivered by remarkable people who doing profound work in the world.
And we are looking for speakers who understand the great service and value that such a volunteer-run TEDx experience brings to our communities and country.
To deeply appreciate the uniqueness of TEDx we invite you to spend an evening on TED.com to immerse, and indulge, in the variety of intelligent and inspiring ideas worth spreading from people all over the world. And don’t forget to watch TEDx Talks from your fellow citizens of Cape Town here: www.tedxcapetown.org
Are you still interested in talking at TEDx?
We want those people who will stand on a stage and engage an entire audience by inspiring imaginations, empowering others to action and leaving a legacy of ideas delivered with authentic execution. These TEDxTalks will be filmed and they will live online, to inspire and spark connection like a snowball on a mission!So who are we looking for?
- The inventor – sharing an innovation with world-changing potential
- The teacher – sharing valuable knowledge in a memorable way to teenagers or adults
- The prodigy – young talent ready to break out
- The artist – showcasing inspiring work in a compelling new way
- The performer – music, comedy, dance, drama or something completely different
- The sage – wisdom the world needs from those who have learned it the hard way
- The enthusiast – with an infectious passion about a topic they can share
- The change agent – helping shape the world’s future with work that matters
- The storyteller – vivid, original and meaningful, with a talent for connection
- The spark – with a powerful idea worth spreading
Topics can range from technology, design and entertainment to art, environmental science, leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing and more!
In the spirit of TED, we are looking for inspired speakers for our next TEDxCapeTown event who support the theme of ‘Amazing People, Crazy Places’. We are wanting local voices that few have heard before. We want those who can present their work and passion in a new light, and who have perspectives that the global TED community may not have access to. We are looking for amazing people, crazy places and ideas worth spreading!
Think you have what it takes?
Submit your idea worth spreading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this TED?
TED isn’t a who, it’s a what. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design, three broad subject areas that are, collectively, shaping our future.
How is a TEDx event different from a TED conference?
TED conferences are organized and run directly by TED. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis.
Can I speak at TEDxCT?
Maybe. Do you have an idea worth spreading? Is it remarkable? Will it entertain, inspire and inform us all at the same time? There are no canned pitches at TED. Watch a few TEDtalks before you consider reaching out to us. This is not your average conference.
If I nominate someone, will they get to speak?
Not necessarily. Nominating a speaker does not guarantee that they will be approached.
How long does the presentation have to be?
Speakers get up to 18 minutes to present on stage (but plan for 12). For examples of the TED talk style, potential speakers are encouraged to watch the videos on the TED website.
What sort of topics will be considered?
Topics can range from any of the following (included but not limited to):
- Art and Design
- Entertainment
- Environmental
- Science
- Biology and Chemistry
- Finance and Marketing
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology
Do speakers get paid to present?
Sorry, no. As per TED guidelines, speakers are not remunerated.
Can speakers seek funding whilst onstage?
Speakers are prohibited from both selling and seeking financing while onstage.
What legalese can I expect?
Speakers are required to sign a speaker permission release form prior to presenting.
Where can I find TED speaker guidelines?
Take a look at the TED guidelines for speakers
