TEDxUCLA Speaker Submission Tips

Below are some tips and links for what it takes to be a TEDx speaker. We have also added some specific information on this event so that you can prepare your submission specifically for our event. 

TEDx Specific Tips


​Look for ideas, not speakers

It’s actually not the person you should be searching for, but the person’s idea or innovation. This is a great way to decipher between a TEDx speaker, and an interesting person with an “okay” idea. What will the audience walk away knowing – that this person exists, or a new idea?
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  • Look for new ideas that originate in your community but are widely relatable
  • Look for ideas that need to be defended – not something self-evident, but an interesting argument, perhaps with an antagonist.
  • Look for an idea the TED world hasn't heard before. (In other words, not a copy of a TED Talk you like!)
  • Look for ideas that change perceptions. (e.g., a scientific discovery that changes how you think about frogs, a philosophical argument that reshapes your notions of friendship.)

Event Specific Tips

Los Angeles could be considered the 'Mecca' of Martial Arts. We are incredibly lucky to have an abundant supply of very talented and world renown martial artists teaching right on our doorstep. This event is not looking for someone who is very talented in their particular art, or someone who has been incredibly successful opening schools or teaching seminars, but in anybody and everybody who has a story to tell that fits the theme of this event...
focus:
​fo·​cus ˈfō-kəs 
plural foci, also focuses
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- a center of activity, attraction, or attention -
- a point of concentration -
- a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding -
We are more interested in those who have a desire to tell their story, whether they be a complete novice or veteran practitioner the story matters more than martial arts experience. We know martial arts is good for a variety of health and well being topics, we know we can build resilience through physical contact provided by martial arts, we know that children can benefit from the focus and discipline provided by training in martial arts etc...

These are not new or 'big' ideas, this event is striving to discover what has not been told yet? To discover a story or an idea of martial arts that would engage, inspire and excite those who only love to watch martial arts movies but don't train, those who train solely for sport, self defense, social contact or those who are completely immersed in the martial arts lifestyle. The idea should cross these boundaries and speak to all humans on a fundamental level. 

This should not discourage you from submitting, but it should make you take stock and prepare your submission in a way that it will stand out from the crowd. We are looking for submissions from around the world, in our neighborhood and across the country. From college or high school students to tenured professors and from world champions to those who may find physical activity challenging. We intend to be an inclusive event in every sense of the word and are looking to represent that inclusiveness and diversity in our program. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Paul McCarthy
Curator - TEDxUCLA: Martial Arts & Focus 
Director - UCLA Martial Arts Program
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