Become a Speaker

Applications for TEDxBristol 2023 are now open!

Simply click the button above which will take you to our speaker form. Nothing on it is designed to catch you out and the main things we want to know are:

• What’s your big idea?
• Who are you and why are you the person to give this talk?
• Who is your talk designed to appeal to? I.e Who is the audience?
• What’s your connection to Bristol?

Submissions will close at 11:59 on Monday 15th May 2023 so get yours in before then to ensure it’s considered. If we’re interested in discussing your application and taking it forward to the next round of consideration, the TEDxBristol team will reach out to you by 05 June 2023. Due to the volume of submissions we’re expecting (plus the fact our team are volunteers) we won’t be able to provide feedback to any unsuccessful applications.

Good luck!

What we’re looking for

Determination, tenacity, and originality. We pride ourselves on giving people from all walks of life an opportunity to share their ideas on one of the most prestigious platforms in the South West, as well as with our global community. The other thing we always look for in our speakers is passion, but other characteristics we like to see include:

Innovation - Not only might your ideas be game-changing but we want you to deliver them in creative and unique ways, this is truly part of TEDx spirit.

Diversity - TEDxBristol is all about opening up our community, giving a voice to those who feel marginalised or underrepresented.  

Authenticity - As long as your idea is loosely based on the theme, it can be on anything you feel passionate about. You don't have to be an academic or thought-leader as long as you live and breathe your topic.

What you get as a speaker

Speaking at a TEDxBristol event can be a life-changing experience, and indeed has been for a great number of our previous speakers. As an official TEDxBristol speaker we’ll give you all the support, nurturing and guidance you need on your journey to that big red dot on our stage. Our team will work closely with you to ensure you get the very best:

Mentoring - Whether you’re an experienced speaker or nervous about the prospect, our experienced team of mentors will give you individual coaching to help you tell your story like you never have before, and leave you brimming with confidence.

Exposure - Being on stage to tell your story at TEDxBristol is empowering and inspiring. Our sold-out audiences are passionate about ideas so it’s a unique opportunity to showcase yourself, not only to the room but potentially to the global TED audience.

Experience - You’ll be surrounded and supported by a team of professionals who are experts putting on world-class events, giving you the platform you deserve, to shine in the spotlight.

What we ask of you

Great speakers are the key to the success of every TEDxBristol event. We’ll support you every step of the way but in return, we ask for your passion and collaboration. It’s important that you’re able to give some level of commitment and are able to actively engage in our process in the run-up to the main event.

You’ll get invaluable time with our team and mentors but we’ll always try and make sure the schedule fits your needs, time, and experience.

Please note:

• The speaker team is a part-time, voluntary team so please bear with us while we process applications. 

Many thanks and good luck!