Speak

Apply to be a TEDxWinnipeg Speaker

Our speaker applications are now CLOSED for our Thursday, June 6, 2024 event.
NOTE: Applications closed at end of day, January 31st.

Stay tuned for information for applying to speak at our 2025 event.

What does TEDxWinnipeg expect from its speakers?

First and foremost, as a celebration of ideas, we want to see you bring yours! Remember, TEDx talks aim to be tight, bright, and full of passion. Your TEDx presentation can be an absolute maximum of 18 minutes and preferably much shorter: long enough to say something of significance, but short enough to hold everyone’s attention. While those few minutes may be shorter than you’re used to, TEDx events have proven that a carefully prepared talk of this length can have astonishing impact. (See TED.com for examples.)

Where else will my TEDxWinnipeg talk be seen?

All TEDxWinnipeg talks will be live-streamed online during the event to an audience of thousands! Even better, after the event is over your presentation will be posted online on the official TEDxTalks YouTube channel. It could even be featured on TED.com itself, where videos routinely receive hundreds of thousands or even millions of viewers. All talks will be recorded at TV production quality. If you’re still new to the TED experience, here are a few talks worth checking out to see what we mean.

Are there any other rules for TEDxWinnipeg talks?

As a TED offshoot, TEDx events will be following the official TED speaker rules. We do not accept talks that are political, religious or commercial in nature — no “selling from the stage,” please — and there is strict enforcement of the clock. If you accept our invitation, we will take you through a comprehensive coaching process on how to tailor and deliver the perfect talk for our audience. TED has never paid speakers to appear, but has always committed to creating an experience that’s tremendously fulfilling and beneficial on all sides, and as a TEDx event we plan to do the same.

Even though you may have delivered 10 or 100 or even 1000 presentations, this one is different. TED Talks are not standard presentations — they are performances, stories or experiences. Do not think of TED as a conference; it is much more like theatre.

What Is TEDxWinnipeg Looking For?

We look for speakers who inspire others with their “Idea Worth Spreading.”

Many will apply, but only a few will be selected to speak at TEDxWinnipeg. What makes a great TEDx speaker? It’s a combination of certain characteristics.

We look for speakers who inspire others with their “Idea Worth Spreading.” Amazing, Funny, Jaw-Dropping or Beautiful are some of the characteristics we desire. Speakers should be persuasive, ingenious and informative. And should be ready to deliver the most awesome speech they have ever given. The speakers we need are those who have done something incredible or discovered something astonishing — something they can give to each and every member of our audience. Something the audience can carry home and use to change the world in their own way.

Remember, your talk should not only be a Story Worth Telling, but must ALSO have an Idea Worth Spreading. A deep passion and dedication to a cause, a concept or a journey is within every TEDx speaker. The ideal speaker changes the world around them and will change you as well.

Characteristics of Successful Speaker Applicants

Here is a checklist of things we’re specifically looking for in speaker applications:

  • You’re a credentialed expert or highly experienced in the field relating to your topic
  • You have a new idea in your field that few know about, or a new take on an old idea
  • You have a specific action or actions you’d like your audience to undertake
  • You have the required time available to dedicate to developing your talk with our team (see application form for specifics)
  • You’re passionate about TED

If you have all of those characteristics, then by all means apply and we may select you to speak at TEDxWinnipeg! Be sure to do so before applications close January 31st.

FAQ's

What is the theme for this year’s TEDxWinnipeg?

We have found in the past that setting a theme too early can hinder some great talks by trying to squeeze them into a mold that doesn’t fit or by excluding some really great ideas. There will be an inclusive theme, but before we announce it, we’ve decided to see what ideas come up when we leave the field wide open to ideas on any topic.

What if I have spoken before at another TEDx event?

You can still apply if you’ve spoken at another TEDx event, or if you are a frequent or professional speaker. Being comfortable onstage is an important part of giving a successful TEDx Talk. Keep in mind though, that we are looking for new talks, and encourage each of our speakers to break new ground with their presentations. Our speaker support team can help you through the process of crafting the talk — just bring the idea!

I have this great idea, but you’ve made me nervous!

No worries — our speaker support team can help you through the process of crafting the talk — just bring the idea! We’ll pair you up with a highly experienced personal “speaker coach” to help you through our talk development process, and we’ll provide plenty of opportunity for practice to help you incorporate feedback, try different approaches, and get comfortable presenting your talk.

How long do I have to apply?

Applications usually open inDecember and close at the end of January. Keep an eye out here for exact details.

Please know we do not take submissions outside these days.

So far, so good? Here’s what happens next.

If after review of this information you feel that you would like to be part of TEDxWinnipeg, we ask you to complete our speaker application form. All interested speakers’ information will then be reviewed by the TEDxWinnipeg speaker selection committee.