How I Landed a TEDx Talk—and You Can, Too

By KATHERINE LANGFORD There’s something magical about standing on a red dot, staring into a crowd, and realizing you're about to say something that could change someone’s life. Getting on the TEDx stage was never a random accident for me, it was something I wanted badly.

And when I finally did it, it wasn’t luck. It was hustle, strategy, and a little creative chaos behind the scenes. This is my story, unfiltered how I landed a TEDx talk with a customized pitch (and how you can too).

It All Started With a Late-Night Thought Spiral

Let me take you back. It was around 1:34 AM, and I was munching on popcorn (yes, Farmer Jon's Popcorn, because it’s ridiculously good), scrolling through YouTube, and fell into a TEDx rabbit hole. You know how it goes, one talk turns into six. Before I knew it, I wasn’t just watching the speakers... I was imagining myself on that stage. But I had no idea where to begin. I didn't know anyone connected to TEDx, and honestly, I thought you had to be super famous or ridiculously credentialed. I was neither. Just someone with a story to tell.

Why TEDx?

First, let’s clarify something: TEDx events are independently organized TED-like experiences. That means anyone can apply yep, even you.

I wasn’t trying to be famous. I just wanted to tell my story the real, raw, me version. Not the polished LinkedIn resume version. The one that includes the failures, the doubts, and that time I bombed my first speech in high school.

TEDx, to me, felt like the ultimate platform to make an idea matter. To be part of something bigger than me.

Step One: Getting Obsessed (The Healthy Kind)

Once I made up my mind, I went full-on detective mode. I researched everything about how people get invited, what organizers look for, what topics are trending, which TEDx events were accepting applications.I followed TEDx speakers on LinkedIn, watched behind-the-scenes interviews, listened to TEDx coaches, and even found event organizers on Twitter. If this sounds like borderline stalking, you're not wrong. But it worked.

Step Two: Narrowing Down the Right TEDx Events

Here’s a big mistake people make: they blast the same pitch to every TEDx event. Nope. That’s not gonna fly. Each TEDx event has its own theme, vibe, and target audience. I looked for local events first (less travel, better odds), and prioritized those where my story aligned with their mission.

Some events were focused on innovation. Others were more about community, diversity, or mental health. I built a spreadsheet (yes, I’m that person) of deadlines, themes, and past speakers for every event I was considering.

Step Three: Crafting My Story From the Inside Out

Before writing anything, I had to ask myself: What’s the one message I’d want the world to remember if I had just 10 minutes to speak? Not 10 topics. Just one message. That part was hard. I’m a talker. I wanted to say a million things. But TEDx is about clarity, not quantity.

Eventually, I landed on the message that had been burning inside me for years. I won’t spoil the whole talk, but it was about how we undervalue invisible wins in a world obsessed with loud success. Once I had that, everything else started falling into place.

Step Four: The Customized Pitch That Changed Everything

This was the game-changer.Instead of sending a generic pitch like, “Hi, I’d love to speak at your TEDx event,” I made each application feel personal. Here’s what I included in every pitch:

1. An Attention-Grabbing Subject Line (if emailing)

Something like: “Pitch: Story That Aligns With Your ‘Resilience Reimagined’ Theme”

2. A 3-Sentence Intro

I quickly explained who I was, what my talk would be about, and why it mattered to their specific audience.

3. Tailored Connection to Their Theme

I didn’t just say my topic was “relevant.” I explained how it aligned with their theme. I even referenced past TEDx talks from their event and how mine would offer a new angle.

4. Proof I Could Deliver

I attached a short video clip of me speaking (even though it was from a local panel discussion). No professional studio. Just real, passionate delivery. I also mentioned any podcast interviews or past speaking gigs.

5. A Thank You (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

Respect the effort organizers put into curating a lineup. A little genuine appreciation goes a long way.

Step Five: The Waiting Game (And the Silence)

Now, full disclosure: I didn’t hear back from every event. Some ghosted me completely. Others sent polite rejections. And I almost gave up.But then, one day, I got an email with the subject line: “TEDx Talk Opportunity – Let’s Talk!” I opened it, re-read it about four times, and then yelled something that probably woke up my neighbor’s dog.

The organizer said my pitch was one of the few that actually felt “written for us.” That’s when I realized how powerful a customized pitch can be.

Step Six: The Speaker Coaching Sessions

Once accepted, the real work began. I didn’t just show up and speak off-the-cuff.

TEDx organizers usually assign speaker coaches. Mine was this brilliant woman named Sandra who helped me tighten my structure, polish my storytelling, and get rid of filler words (I had a lot of “like” and “so”). We met weekly for a month. She gave tough love but made my talk way better.

Step Seven: Rehearsals, Anxiety & The Power of Pacing

Let’s be honest: I was nervous. I practiced in front of my mirror, recorded myself, forced my friends to listen, and even timed how long I was standing on each slide. I rehearsed my intro so many times that I once caught myself sleep-talking it. And yes, I still forgot a line during one rehearsal. But that’s okay, TEDx isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection.

Step Eight: Show Time (And Real-Life Butterflies)

The day of the talk felt surreal. The red dot, the lights, the silence right before you begin, it hits you. But then, I remembered why I was there. Not to impress. Just to express.

I took a breath, smiled, and told my story like I was speaking to one friend in the audience who really needed to hear it. And by the end? The applause felt like a full-body exhale.

What I Learned (And What You Can Steal)

If you’re dreaming of giving a TEDx talk, here’s what I’d want you to remember:

✦ Your story matters—even if it’s messy.

You don’t need a polished resume. You need a powerful idea, delivered with heart.

✦ Customization > Mass Pitching

Take the time to understand each event’s theme. Show organizers you’re not just applying to speak. You’re applying to connect.

✦ Start small, think big

Local TEDx events can be just as impactful as major city ones. Use them as stepping stones.

✦ Don’t wait to be discovered

Pitch yourself. Be proactive. Create your own opportunity.

✦ Rejection isn’t personal

Some events just aren’t the right fit. Keep going. The “yes” will come and it’ll be worth it.

Now It’s Your Turn

I’m not a celebrity. I wasn’t handed the mic. I just had a message I believed in and the stubbornness to keep pitching it until someone listened. If you’re holding back because you think you’re not ready, or not important enough, stop that noise. Seriously.

Final Thoughts: Your Red Dot Moment Is Waiting

Landing a TEDx talk wasn’t some once-in-a-lifetime fluke, it was the result of persistence, personal storytelling, and being willing to show up as me, not some perfectly polished version of who I thought I had to be.

If you're sitting there wondering if you have what it takes, trust me you do. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the perfect topic, or someone to tap you on the shoulder and tell you you’re ready. Pitch anyway. Speak anyway. Go for it anyway.

TEDx is the place to push yourself and share your passionate message with the world.