Three Questions We Ask Every TEDx Speaker (And Why They Matter)

Debarati Chakraborty
Jun 3
2 min read

Welcome to the third edition of Panaji xPress! Have you ever wondered what happens before someone is chosen to speak at TEDx?

Is it about having a cool job, a moving story or just some viral idea? Not really. The meticulous selection process for TEDx is dependent on three deceptively simple questions. And the answers reveal everything about the speaker!

This week, we are giving you an inside peek into this well-guarded part of our process. Whether you're dreaming of being on the TEDx stage or curious about what makes a TEDx talk work, here’s what we ask, and why.

TEDx Secrets: Preliminary questions we ask every speaker, and why they are non-negotiable

The 3 Hidden Questions Behind Every Great TEDx Talk:

1. How is your story relevant to the audience, locally and globally?

It is natural for a TEDx talk to be deeply rooted, for example, TEDxPanaji is rooted in Goa. However, your story (whether it is a hyper-local innovation or a deeply personal story of survival) should transcend borders. Your idea might be born here, but it should belong everywhere.

Why will your idea matter to someone in Panaji and São Paulo? Or in Porvorim and Paris?

2. What is missing in this world without your message?

At TEDx, we want speakers who are not repeating ideas already out there. We expect you to initiate new conversations, add different perspectives to existing ones or offer novel solutions. We look for ideas that don’t just inform but transform and if your idea fills a gap in the global dialogue, we want to hear you.

What gap does your idea fill? What lens are you offering that we haven’t seen before?

3. What’s the Call to Action for the audience?

A TEDx talk is not a monologue. It is meant to create a ripple effect. So, we expect every speaker to be intentional about how they want their audience to feel once the talk is over. It might be a shift in mindset or lifestyle pattern, a pause for contemplation or maybe even a quiet discomfort.

How will your idea move members of the audience into action, reflection or connection?

Why These 3 Questions Matter:

They help us select talks that are authentic, meaningful and impactful.
They ensure every speaker knows the unique value their idea brings to the world.
They’re the secret behind every TEDx talk that stays long after the spotlight fades.

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That’s a wrap on Edition #3.

We are thrilled to be bringing you these updates each week. See you next week!

Curated by: Debarati Chakraborty, Communications & Media Strategist, TEDxPanaji