Why Speak? You Will:
Share a robust idea or a compelling story with a passionate audience.
Spread ideas that can change the world.
Engage with passionate, open-minded change agents in an inspired atmosphere of authentic dialogue.
Build a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary community driven by bold new ideas.
Unlock people, organisations, institutions, and communities with the capacity to advance.
Stoke the flames of idea-based innovation at UJ.
Kindle disruptive innovation and transformative thinking.
Transform people and the world through your life-changing story.
Expand the frontiers of knowledge.
Become part of the world's most prestigious idea-generating organisation.
The TED Commandments
Dream Big
Strive to create the best talk you have ever given. Reveal something never seen before. Share an idea that could change the world.
Show the Real You
Share your passions, dreams, and fears. Be vulnerable. Speak of failure as well as success.
Make the Complex Plain
Don't try to dazzle intellectually. Explain clearly. Give examples. Tell stories. Be specific.
Connect With Emotions
Make us laugh. Make us cry. Forge a genuine human connection with every person in the room.
Don't Flaunt Your Ego
Don't boast. It's the surest way to switch everyone off.
No Selling From the Stage
Don't pitch products, services, or ask for funding. Focus on ideas instead.
Comment on Other Talks
Feel free to praise or critique thoughtfully. Enthusiastic endorsement is powerful.
Don't Read Your Talk
Notes are fine. But authentic speaking creates stronger connection and impact.
End On Time
Respect the clock and the speakers who follow you. Timing matters.
Rehearse
Practice before trusted people for timing, clarity, confidence, and impact.
TEDx Speaker Guide
Get Familiar With the Format — Why 15 Minutes?
Because it works. An audience can focus on one subject at a time in relatively short chunks. Remember: shorter talks are not lesser talks. It may only take 5 minutes to make your point unforgettable.
Develop an Idea
Your idea can be new, surprising, or challenge a belief your audience already has. Or it can be a great basic idea with a compelling new argument. Fact-check whatever you say — the audience relies on you for accuracy.
Make an Outline and Script
Start by making your audience care. Explain your idea with conviction. Describe your evidence and how your idea could be implemented. End by addressing how your idea could affect your audience if they were to accept it.
Create Slides
Slides can be helpful, but they are not necessary for every talk. Ask yourself whether they clarify your message or distract from it. Keep everything simple.
Rehearse
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Practice until you are completely comfortable presenting in front of people and delivering your message naturally.
Give Your Talk
Inhale. Exhale. Trust your preparation and deliver your talk exactly the way you practised it.
Savour the Glory
Congratulations, you're done! Enjoy the experience and celebrate the impact your idea created.
Apply to Speak
Send your speaker application — including a brief biography, the idea you wish to present, and any supporting material — to both of the following addresses.
