Though our speakers come from all disciplines and all industries both within and beyond the Quad Cities area, all have an idea worth spreading and a passion to share it. Our speakers present bold, radical ideas that challenge standard conceptions, present new understandings of our world, or uniquely add to established bodies of work. Their talks are well-formatted, visually inspiring, and act as a launching point both for their idea and themselves.
UNSURE HOW TO CREATE A GREAT TALK? WATCH THIS PRIMER:
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Presenting your idea on the TEDx stage is a serious commitment, requiring hours of effort, rehearsal, communications, and a commitment to meeting our requirements. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the speaker lineup at anytime in the process. If any of this criteria is an issue, please let us know.
Deadlines: You’re required to submit talk outlines, slides, and other information at specific times prior to speaking at the conference.
Working Together: You’re expected to work alongside us to curate your talk for our audience, our venue, production value, and optimal impact.
Attendance: You’re expected to be present for the duration of the conference, interacting with attendees before and after your talk.
Rehearsals: You’re required to attend rehearsals in the Quad Cities and possibly online rehearsals with the curators. We require selected speakers to attend a minimum of 3 rehearsals at the venue (exceptions can be made for speakers traveling from long distances).
Applications: You can submit multiple applications on different topics, if you choose.
The entire TEDxDavenport organizing team is here to help you prepare for the most powerful, impactful talk you’ve ever given. To that end, please integrate the following guidelines into your presentation. Failure to do so may result in a poor-quality talk or removal from the stage.
- Sharp, Focused Content
- Go Deep, Not Broad
- Focus on a Single, Specific, Simple Idea
- 5 to 15 Minutes Maximum (shorter is always better, unless a highly complex subject)
- You may Include Visuals or Props
- No Selling on Stage, or Individual Business/Service Promotions
- Include Data or Research
- With Special Exception, No Note Cards, Podiums or Scripts
- No Religious, Corporate, Political or Book Plugs
- No Abstract or Theoretical Science (i.e. quantum consciousness, crystals, etc.)
- Ideas Must Be Unique or Take a New Angle on an Existing Concept/Topic
- "Personal Story" Applications Must Encompass a Specific Idea as the Overarching Message
Speaking at TEDx requires a lot of time and presentation refinement. Many of our speakers review, refine, and practice their presentations more than 100 times prior to taking the stage. Our team will work with you to craft your message, but we need your dedication and participation to bring a strong presentation to rehearsals. We are here to ensure your talk meets the TEDx Editorial Guidelines, and is that "TED" level talk our audiences have come to expect.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EDITORIAL GUIDELINES? READ THE TEDX RULES HERE.
WANT TO GET A LEG UP ON EVERYONE ELSE? READ THIS BEFORE APPLYING.
