TED Global Idea Search is now open for fall 2021. TED is hosting two global idea searches in 2021 with a mission: to hear big, bold ideas from every corner of the world. TED is looking for ideas that are new, unique, and can offer an insight or a new way of thinking to a very large audience.
A TED Talk usually has a topic and an idea. A topic is a high level — the general direction you want to take the talk. Topic example: We need to fix the opioid crisis.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
An idea is a specific angle that stems from the topic — a unique message, solution, or insight that only you can share.
Idea example: In the opioid crisis, here’s what it takes to save a life.
Before you submit your application, check your idea against this list — does it check a few of these boxes?
- Does your idea worth spreading offer the audience a unique insight?
- Will your audience learn something brand new? Something they’ve never heard before?
- Will your audience learn about a new solution to a problem?
- TED is not a platform for product pitches. Do you feel confident that your idea is not a product pitch?
- Did you check TED’s massive library? Are you sure we don’t already have a talk about your idea?
What to avoid
Only in rare circumstances do they invite people to speak about a very personal experience or a personal philosophy. Here are some examples of ideas that they would likely not consider:
- How I learned to speak my truth and be my authentic self.
- How to conquer your fears and achieve your dreams.
- Find your passion through unleashing your creativity.
- I had a rare experience and it taught me to face my fear.
- Find happiness using the L.U.V. method: Light, Universe, Vulnerability.
- I travelled to India and it changed my perspective on the stock market, even though I’m not a banker.
Applicants are required to create a 2-minute video as a part of their submission. If selected for round 2, you’ll be invited to a virtual event where you’ll talk more about your idea and participate in a Q&A with members of the TED community. Winners will be invited to give a TED Talk, either virtually or in person.
Benefits
Winners will be invited to give a TED Talk, either virtually or in person.
Eligibilities
- Open to any individuals who want to share an idea that is unique, fresh, and can offer different perspectives to a very large audience.
- Applicants can come from all around the world.
Application Process
- Applicants are required to create a 2-minute video as a part of their submission.
- If selected for round 2, you’ll be invited to a virtual event where you’ll talk more about your idea and participate in a Q&A with members of the TED community.
Questions you’ll need to answer in your video:
- Question 1. Who are you and what are your credentials?
- Question 2. What is the idea you want to share?
- Question 3. What insights will you leave the audience with?
- Question 4. Why should we invite you to give a TED Talk?
Video setup
- Film yourself using good lighting angled towards your face rather than coming from behind you.
- Use a stable camera oriented in horizontal framing (this does not need to be a professional camera — it can be a computer or phone camera), set to the highest resolution. (On most phones, the resolution you want to use is 4k, 1080.)
- Make sure your sound is clear and audible (avoid filming outside, and prevent objects from rubbing on the microphone).
- Your combined answers to the four questions should not exceed two minutes. A good way to plan for two minutes is to write out a script that is around 280-300 words.
- When you are done, upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and title the video, “your name – TED Global Idea Search”. Make sure the video is listed as “public” or “unlisted” so that we won’t need a password to view it.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: January 21, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link
