What Makes a TEDx Event So Special
It’s known that TED and TEDx events are very different from other events out there. But why is this so? Well, there are some theories around, including the official one. Chris Anderson, head of TED, is convinced that TED’s success is due to the fact that the talks put the focus on the idea behind the talk, and not on the speaker. Another thing that makes a TEDx event different from other events is that it is organized voluntarily, meaning organizers and speakers don’t get money for organizing or speaking. It’s all for the good of humankind.
But again, the ideas are what matter most, and, to be sure, an event organized for pleasure is a nice thing, but there are also some other factors to Tedx’s success that I’d like to put on the table today. Analyzing these elements is the key to organizing any event with savvy, so let’s go.
Duration of Talks
Some say it’s because talks are shorter than 18 minutes. 18 minutes has been proven to be the maximum time a person’s attention can be retained. Anything can be explained in a way everybody understands in 18 minutes. You can state the argument, provide some examples, tell a personal anecdote, and wrap up. If you can’t do it in 18 minutes, it’s not polished enough, or maybe you’re trying to say too much.
Curation of Talks
Talks in a TEDx event are carefully curated. When we call a certain speaker it’s because he or she has an idea to share with the world. Nobody goes on stage because they partnered with the organizers or for any other similar reason. Just good ideas, that is, intentionally selected ideas to align with a theme. Curation doesn’t only imply ideas or speakers. The curator usually designs the program so the ideas play a certain melody by being in a precise order.
Coaching of Talks
I had a Skype meeting with fellow TEDx organizers from across the world the other day, and we all agreed that this is something that only happens at TEDx events. Nobody goes on stage without the organization knowing what’s going to happen. This step doesn’t mean we censor things. Not at all. But nothing happens without our knowledge, so everything is intentional and serves our purpose, whatever that may be.
The Vibe
And, finally, the “it”.
The vibe is what really characterizes a TEDx event. It’s the TEDx tribe rowing as one. It’s like going to a concert where 50,000 people are singing along at the same time, or going to a soccer match, where 80,000 people are cheering up the same team — it’s physical and intellectual at the same time. You have to live it to know.
If you are able to combine vibe with a precise selection of prepared short talks, then you probably have something very special on your hands. Handle with care!
