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Updated: April 18, 2025 How To

'Leave room for magic' and other tips on how to give a TEDx Talk

Lisa Whired on stage Photo / Ruth Ganev Lisa Whited takes the stage for a TEDx Talk on "How to make work better for employees (and the bottom line)."
By Lisa Whited, guest columnist

When people ask what it takes to give a TEDx Talk, my short answer is, “A lot!” And then I add, “But it’s absolutely worth it.”

TED — short for technology, entertainment and design — was founded in 1984 as a conference that brought together experts from a variety of fields to share their ideas. In 2009, TEDx was created to expand TED’s reach by licensing independently organized events around the world. These events follow TED’s guidelines and uphold its core mission, as expressed in the tagline, "Ideas change everything." Last year alone, more than 3,400 TEDx events were held globally.

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on that iconic red circle, here are a few lessons from my experience.

Start with passion

Choose a topic that sets your soul on fire. TEDx Talks aren’t business pitches or general lectures — they’re personal, powerful and purpose-driven. If your idea doesn’t light you up, it won’t spark anything in your audience either.

Know it like “Happy Birthday”

Rehearse until your talk is second nature. You don’t need to memorize every word, but you should know the flow so well it feels like singing “Happy Birthday” — natural, automatic and confident under pressure. (This great advice came from TEDxPortsmouth producer Anna Goldsmith, a wise and generous speaker coach.)

Respect the process

TEDx events are typically organized by passionate volunteers. Each event has its own application process and selection criteria — some invite speakers, others require submissions. Do your homework. Follow the guidelines. Be kind. You’re stepping into a community, not just onto a stage.

Look beyond your zip code 

There are thousands of TEDx events worldwide each year. If your local one doesn’t align with your topic or timing, explore other locations. Some events welcome out-of-town applicants, so don’t limit your reach.

Show up for others 

Being a TEDx speaker is about more than your 15 minutes in the spotlight. You become part of a cohort. Rehearse together. Cheer each other on. You’ll learn as much from your fellow speakers as you do from crafting your own message — and you may form lifelong bonds in the process.

Trust your coaches 

You will likely be assigned a speaker coach, and you might be tempted to resist their feedback. Don’t. They’ve seen what works. Let them help you elevate your message. Just because it’s your story doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from their perspective.

Leave room for magic

Here’s a secret: The biggest laugh in my TEDx Talk came from an unscripted moment of improv. It wasn’t in my notes. It wasn’t planned. It was me, fully present, responding to the energy in the room. That moment reminded me that authenticity lands more powerfully than perfection.

A word about ChatGPT (and other AI) 

Yes, it can be a helpful tool. But if you’re not experienced in writing good prompts or editing AI output, you might end up in a rabbit hole of generic suggestions. Use it to refine — not define — your talk.

Prepare for inner work 

Giving a TEDx Talk isn’t just a performance — it’s a transformation. You might uncover emotions, doubts or limiting beliefs in the process. That’s normal. Do the inner work in parallel with your preparation. It’ll make your talk more authentic — and your journey more meaningful.

In the end, giving a TEDx Talk is about courage, clarity and connection — and occasionally forgetting what you were saying mid-sentence and recovering like a pro. You’re not just offering an idea  — you’re offering a piece of yourself, nerves and all.

And that’s what makes it beautifully human.

About the author

Lisa Whited is a Portland-based workplace strategist, TEDx speaker and author of the book "Work Better. Save the Planet." She can be reached at Lisa@LisaWhited.com. Find her TEDx Talk on "How to make work better for employees (and the bottom line)" here.

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