What is a TEDx Talk?

Before you start the search for speakers for your event, it’s important to know exactly what a TEDx Talk is. It also helps to understand the different types of talks worth spreading. That way, you know what you’re looking for.

A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas. Talks are usually under 18 minutes and are delivered by a single speaker, though the ideal length varies based on the format. Shorter talks, ranging from 3 to 9 minutes, are common for concise, focused ideas. For dynamic interviews or dialogues between two speakers, a longer format of up to 30 minutes may be more appropriate.

Why under 18 minutes?

While 18 minutes is the traditional limit for TED and TEDx Talks, many talks are even shorter — some of the most impactful TED Talks have been just 5 minutes long.

That said, the ideal length can vary based on the format. A 3–9 minute talk might be perfect for a highly focused idea, while a dynamic interview or  dialogue between two speakers may naturally stretch a bit longer, up to 30 minutes, when the format calls for it.

What is a great, well-formed idea?

It can actually be one of two things:

  • Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about.
  • A great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives.

In other words, an idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.

Types of talks

When searching for speakers, you can keep in mind these seven different types of talks — not every speaker’s talk has to be exactly the same.

The big idea

The talks that make one or two very strong points, and it’s important. Examples: Bryan Stevenson, Onora O'Neill, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The tech demo

An onstage look at some clever new invention that the speaker was a part of creating. Examples: Tan Le, Markus Fischer, Raffaello D'Andrea

The performance

Music, dance, magic, puppetry, or some other performance to captivate your audience. Examples: Usman Riaz + Preston Reed, Arthur Benjamin, Pilobolus

The artist’s statement

In these talks, artists showcase their art and explain the meaning and process behind what they create. Examples: Raghava KK, Liu Bolin, Aparna Rao

The “dazzle with wonder”

These talks are mainly about the amazement of science and discovery. Examples: Yoav Medan, Marcus Byrne, Janna Levin

The small idea

These talks are not about one big, world-changing idea, but instead a very engaging take on an interesting topic. Examples: Mary Roach, Joe Smith, Charlie Todd

The “issue” talk

These talks expose your audience to an issue that they may not otherwise know much about. Examples: Rodrigo Canales, Lawrence Lessig, Rose George

Next: Create a theme

Watch Chris Anderson at TEDGlobal 2013 tell us what makes a great talk, great.

Rules to remember

Our Content Guidelines give you a set of standards to follow when it comes to TEDx Talks, so use this as a guide. This includes:

  • No commercial agendas
  • No political agendas or inflammatory rhetoric
  • No religious agendas
  • No bad science

Make sure to know these guidelines.