What’s Your Story?

Thank you for your interest in speaking or suggesting a speaker for the 2010 series of TEDx events organized by SMU in Dallas, TX. The following is information about the TEDxSMU program, what it means to speak at TEDxSMU and how to nominate a speaker.

Our 2010 Season includes:

• TEDxSMU Salons (March – August) – Small, intimate gatherings focused on one issue with one or two live speakers and relevant TEDTalks.
• TEDxKids @SMU Events – During the course of the 2010 academic year, we will work with Dallas-area schools to deliver the incredible TED content to students through a variety of formats, including live TEDx Talks and using previously recorded TEDTalks.
• TEDxKids @SMU (Friday, October 15) – A ½ day session consisting of two, 105 minute sessions for approximately 400 7th & 8th grade students and chaperones. Students attend for free in exchange for completing four hours of community service. TEDxKids will take place on the day before TEDxSMU.
• TEDxSMU (Saturday, October 16) – A full day conference for adults (admission is by application only) focused on a unifying theme: Starting Now.
• TEDxYouth Day – TENTATIVE. Through collaboration with the global TEDx program, we will assist local students in producing their own TEDxKids events on the same day similar events are taking place around the world.

Speaking at TEDxSMU

Presenting on the TEDxSMU stage is very different from most speeches. The talks range from three to 18 minutes in length, and we stick to the time limits. No joke. Time is the most valuable commodity at TEDx events!

TEDx Talks should be compelling stories on topics you are incredibly passionate about. The most engaging talks are the ones where we learn not only what you know, but why it’s important to you and why we should care about the issue as well. These aren’t passive terms – passion, engaging, compelling – and TEDx Talks are anything but passive experiences. We want to really connect with you during your time on stage!

To capture the spirit of a TED conference, we are following the TED program structure that has been developed over 25 years of TED. Basic guidelines include:

• No keynotes – all speakers are equal.
• No panel discussions.
• No Q&A.
• No podiums.
• We will use a mix of live and recorded TEDTalks, songs, artistic presentations and demos during the conference.

Topics and Restrictions

TEDx Presenters range from scientists to artists, designers to engineers, and philanthropists to economists. In short, anything is game. We will consider speakers, dancers, singers, musicians, spoken word performers, visual artists or anyone with a compelling story to tell.

There is only a short list of “no no’s” for the TEDx stage that will automatically disqualify any speaker. We do not allow ANY selling from the stage. Product demos must not yet be available on the market. We will not allow any political or religious endorsements, nor do we allow companies or individuals to “buy” time on stage through sponsorships. Other than that, we are open to any and all ideas!

As with TED, we do not offer honorariums to speakers. We are a nonprofit organization and ask that speakers participate in the spirit of sharing their ideas. We will cover travel costs for out-of-town presenters.

All TEDx Talks are recorded and speakers must sign a release prior to the event.

The Nomination

You may nominate someone else or nominate yourself. You may nominate multiple speakers. Please complete separate nomination forms for each nominee. You can download the complete nomination form here.

Speaker Selection

Speaker selection is a confidential process conducted by a committee appointed by the TEDxSMU steering committee. We review and take all nominations seriously. Nominees who are not invited to speak will be kept on the list for future events.