Speaker Applications

Do you have an idea worth spreading?

We're looking for speakers from and around Antioch, Tennessee for TEDxAntioch 2027. Applications are open.

Speaker Guidelines

TEDxAntioch Speaker Guidelines

TEDx events focus on the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and ultimately the world. In keeping with the TED spirit, TEDxAntioch seeks outstanding presenters from diverse disciplines who have truly original "ideas worth spreading" and who can inspire an audience to explore, learn, and engage with those ideas. The TEDxAntioch curation team is responsible for selecting speakers in alignment with the TED spirit and official TEDx guidelines.

Selection
All speakers are identified, reviewed, and confirmed by the TEDxAntioch organizers. TED staff do not assist in identifying or securing speakers.
Payment
TEDx events never pay speakers.
Sponsorship
Speakers may not sponsor any portion of TEDxAntioch, in-kind or otherwise. Sponsors of the event cannot serve as speakers.
Duration
No talk can exceed 18 minutes.
Multi-topical & Multidisciplinary
TEDxAntioch will feature a wide range of speakers from different disciplines. The final program will include varied topics; no single subject will dominate.
Presentations
All talk content must comply with copyright law. Speakers must notify the organizers in advance of any third-party material to be used and must obtain written permission for any copyrighted materials. TED cannot provide legal assistance or act as a consultant on individual cases.
Content Standards
Talks must present original insights or argue for an original idea. The TEDx stage cannot be used for selling products, promoting individuals or businesses, or advancing political or religious agendas. All talks must be the speaker's own work, with proper credit given where appropriate. Plagiarism, impersonation, or unverified claims are not permitted. Speakers must be prepared to substantiate any claims — particularly scientific ones — so that their content can withstand scrutiny. TEDx is not a platform for inflammatory rhetoric, polarizing "us vs. them" framing, or pseudoscience. Talks that fail to meet these standards will be removed.
Speaker Release
Everyone appearing on stage must sign the TEDxAntioch release form.
TEDxTalks Videos
All talks will be uploaded to the TEDxTalks YouTube channel unless they violate TEDx standards. If the organizers choose to withhold a talk, they are responsible for notifying TEDx staff and explaining the decision to the speaker.
Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated according to the following:

  • Innovative idea worth spreading (beyond a personal inspirational story)
  • Speaker expertise and credibility
  • Distinct discipline or category not already represented in the year's program
  • Timeliness and relevance of the topic
  • Connection to the event theme
  • Potential to engage and resonate with audiences
  • Diversity of perspective
  • Scientific credibility, where applicable
About the Program
TEDxAntioch is required to curate a balanced, multidisciplinary program. Even if your idea is compelling, it may not be included if a similar perspective is already represented or if it does not fit the final program design. Our selection process builds an event as a whole, not a collection of individual talks. We curate for originality, clarity, evidentiary strength, and interplay across disciplines.
What We're Looking For

Seven things great TEDx speakers have in common.

  • An idea that can be stated in a single sentence — and that changes how people think.
  • A talk that fits within 18 minutes. Shorter is almost always better.
  • A genuine connection to the Antioch or greater Nashville community.
  • Firsthand experience or deep expertise in your subject. We don't do motivational speeches.
  • Comfort performing without notes. We don't allow reading from a script on stage.
  • Willingness to commit to rehearsals and coaching in the weeks before the event.
  • A message that's universal — rooted in your experience, but meaningful beyond it.
The Process

What happens after you apply.

Applications are reviewed by the curator. Selected candidates will be invited to a brief conversation to develop their idea. If selected to speak, you'll receive coaching and participate in at least two rehearsals before event day.

The event is April 10, 2027. Your talk will be recorded and published on the TEDx YouTube channel.

If Selected

What to expect.

  • Your talk will be professionally recorded and shared on the official TEDx YouTube channel.
  • You'll work one-on-one with the curator to sharpen your idea and delivery.
  • Travel and accommodation are not covered — this is a community event.
  • You retain the right to your idea. TED retains the right to publish the recording.
Apply Now

Speaker Application

Fill out the form below. Tell us your idea in one sentence and why you're the right person to give this talk.