Unless you’ve been hiding under a non-wi-fi-enabled rock for the last six years, then you will have seen or heard of a TED Talk. This famous conference event has hosted some of the most talked about, viewed and imitated presentations ever seen – covering a wide range of topics and ideas, inspiring millions of people around the world.
But how are the speakers selected? How do you attract the all seeing eye of Chris Anderson?
Well, it seems that TED are putting the crowd to work in an innovative new way – to uncover new talents, voices and ideas that “the world needs to hear”.
To apply, you will need to produce a short video of yourself. Thirty of the best applicants will be invited to audition. You can find out more here.
What/who are TED looking for?
Here’s what they say on their website.
Anyone can apply to audition, so long as you have not spoken at a TED Conference, TEDGlobal or TEDActive, and do not have a talk posted on TED.com/talks. We're especially looking for:
- THE INVENTOR … sharing an innovation with world-changing potential
- THE TEACHER … sharing valuable knowledge in a memorable way to teenagers or adults
- THE PRODIGY … young talent ready to break out
- THE ARTIST … who can showcase their work in a compelling, new way (Don't just talk about it. Show us your work!)
- THE PERFORMER … music, dance, comedy, drama … or something entirely different
- THE SAGE … wisdom the world needs from those who have learned it the hard way
- THE ENTHUSIAST … with an infectious passion about a topic they can share
- THE CHANGE AGENT … helping shape the world's future with work that matters
- THE STORYTELLER … vivid, original, meaningful … with a talent for connection
- THE SPARK … with a powerful idea worth spreading
So if you’ve got an idea worth spreading, the auditions for Australia take place in Sydney on May 27. BUT you have to apply between March 19 and April 8. Check out the audition FAQ here and start getting your story straight – because time is running out!