Let’s start off with what we are NOT looking for:

Motivational speeches

Elevator pitches

Political agendas

Religious proselytising

Pseudo-science

Recycled ideas

Now let’s look at what we ARE looking for...

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE IDEA

Ask yourself: Is my idea new? Is it interesting? Is it factual and realistic?

We want to hear something we haven’t heard before. In fact, we have a strong preference
for the idea that deserves the attention it is not getting. Something original, different, novel -
within the realm of reality of course. We want to hear ideas that compel us to think differently,
ideas that challenge our preconceived beliefs about the status quo. If we have heard it
before, it is not an idea worth spreading. If it’s a familiar topic or idea, it has to be a fresh
take on that known idea, not confirmation or regurgitation of it.

Our speakers don’t have to be famous, they have to be the right/ qualified person to talk
about the idea. We encourage diversity in our speakers and are very open to those with little
experience. Being the right person simply means being fully engaged with both the idea as
well as effort it takes to deliver a talk. Often, this can be really hard to achieve with more
famous people, as they are often blind-sided by the thorough and demanding speaker
preparation process. Remember, an idea worth spreading has no gender, race, age, income
or capability barrier.

GIVE US YOUR REASON TO BELIEVE

We want to know why your idea is important to you. Why do you care about it? We are
looking for ideas that have impact and will change the way those who attend our event think,
feel and behave. If a potential speaker cannot articulate this authentically and believe in his
or her own idea, how can we as the audience be expected to believe in it?

THE AUDIENCE: WHAT’S IN IT FOR US?

A great idea will bring the audience on board your journey. It’s not enough if the speaker
believes in his or her idea - we need to know that others will, too. This may come as a
surprise, but your idea isn’t actually about you. It’s about your audience. A TEDx talk is
delivered for an audience who gives of their time to listen to you talk. This means your idea
has to draw them in with something they care about, too.

LET’S ALL LEARN SOMETHING NEW

At TEDx LeadCityUniversity, we don’t want our beliefs confirmed. We don’t want to discuss
the status quo. We don’t want to affirm our biases. No, we want to leave the room stirred,
with our brains churning and our minds racing at having learnt something new and
surprising. We want to be amazed. Does your idea provide new insights or has it been done
before?

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

You may have an idea worth spreading - but is it the right time? Why now and what happens
if you don’t spread this idea today? Sometimes any time is a good time. Sometimes now is
best.