How to Nail your TEDx Interview
By Cesar Cervantes
One of the most nerve-wracking moments in the TEDx journey isn't just the filming your talk—it's the interview that determines whether you'll get that opportunity in the first place. After coaching hundreds of speakers through this process, I want to share my "cheat sheet" that will have you going into your interview with an edge above the competition.
1. The Secret Behind Every Question
Every TEDx event is different as they are organized independently, so you never know what you're going to get. But, despite the variety of questions you'll face, TEDx organizers are essentially evaluating two things throughout your entire interview:
- Do we like their idea? Is this something we want on our stage?
- Do we connect with this person? Are they the right person to deliver it?
That's it. Every question they ask, every response you give, ultimately serves to answer one or both of these questions. And the only way to succeed at both is to be yourself. Not the person you think a "TEDx speaker" should be. Ultimately, you want to land where there's an alignment with you and your idea. Go into the process with this mindset and you can't go wrong.
2. The 10 Questions You'll Actually Face
While interview formats vary, I have found that these questions appear with remarkable consistency. I want you to have them all ahead of time as you as you prepare:
1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Tell us more about your idea.
3. How does it connect to our theme?
4. Why are you passionate about this topic?
5. How is your idea relevant to our community?
6. What experience do you have in public speaking?
7. Is this a talk written just for TEDx?
8. Why should we pick you as one of our speakers?
9. How did you find out about us?
10. Do you have any questions for us?
Now, here's where most people make their mistake: they prepare isolated answers for each question. But these questions aren't separate tests—they're different angles on the same two core questions about your idea and your authenticity. Let me break down what they're really asking.
Decoding What They Actually Want to Know
“Tell Us About Yourself” isn’t an invitation for your résumé—it’s a doorway into understanding why you are the messenger for this idea. Share something personal that connects to the work you do and explains why you’re uniquely positioned to deliver this talk.
“Tell Us About Your Idea” is where your two-minute video prep becomes invaluable. If they've already watched it, reference that and talk through the same content naturally. If not, this is your chance to deliver your pitch clearly and confidently. Stick to the clarity you’ve already built—let them guide the follow-up questions.
When they ask “Why Are You Passionate About This Topic?” they’re digging for motivation. Strong answers reveal why this idea matters to you, how it allows you to reach or help others, and how it aligns with what you want to give to the world.
“Why Us? Why This TEDx Event?” requires genuine effort. If you have roots in their location—share them. If not, study their theme, watch their past talks, and articulate what specifically resonates with you. Generic answers make you forgettable; specificity makes you relatable.
With “What Experience Do You Have in Public Speaking?” honesty is the only approach. TEDx doesn’t want polished keynote speakers bringing recycled material—they want communicators who can express real ideas with clarity. Being newer to speaking can actually work to your advantage if your message is strong.
“Was This Talk Written Just for TEDx?” has one correct answer: yes. TEDx talks are idea-focused and crafted specifically for this format. Anything else signals misalignment.
The other questions—about their community, how you found the event, potential PR issues—simply help them understand whether you’ll be a good representative of their stage. Thoughtful, specific answers show you’ve taken their event seriously.
What Shines Through When You Get It Right
When you prepare with intention and show up as your real self, four essential qualities naturally emerge—qualities that organizers instinctively look for:
Integrity — This is non-negotiable. Exaggerations immediately break trust. Authenticity is far more compelling than inflated credentials.
Passion — If you’re not genuinely moved by your idea, they won’t be either. Show them the part of the topic that genuinely lights you up.
Experience — Not speaking experience—life experience. What in your background connects you to this idea? Why does your perspective matter?
Knowledge — Whether from research, lived experience, or professional work, you must demonstrate you understand your topic deeply.
These qualities don’t exist in isolation—they weave together to form a complete picture of a speaker who belongs on their stage.
Shift Your Mindset: This Is a Pitch
Here's the reframe that changes everything: this isn't just an interview where you answer questions. It's a pitch where you're selling them on you and your idea. The most successful pitches create a sense of co-creation.
That's why question #11—"Do you have any questions for us?"—is your opportunity, not an afterthought. Here's one powerful question to ask: "When you look at your previous speakers, what made the difference between a good talk and a really great talk?"
This question does three things: it invites them to share their passion, communicates that you want to be great on their stage, and turns them into collaborators in your success. You're no longer just an applicant—you're a partner in creating something remarkable.
How to Actually Prepare
Keep Your Answers Concise - Practice your responses so you know when to stop. Think concisely, speak clearly, then stop talking. Don't ramble to fill awkward silence. Silence is fine. Rambling destroys clarity.
Understand the Odds - Once you reach the interview stage, you typically have about a 1-in-3 to 1-in-2 chance of being selected. These are genuinely good odds if you've prepared properly. The interview is your moment to convert opportunity into selection.
Remember: They're Not Looking for Professional Speakers** - Your "newness" to this format can actually work in your favor if you're genuine, prepared, and passionate.
The Truth That Sets You Free
A TEDx interview comes down to this: Can you clearly communicate your idea with authentic passion while being yourself?
If you try to be what you think a "TED speaker" should be, you'll fail. You'll be one more applicant performing what they think is expected. If you show up as yourself—prepared, honest, passionate, and knowledgeable—you create that genuine connection they're looking for.
Prepare thoroughly, then trust yourself enough to show up authentically. And if you're struggling with how to be "passionate on camera," remember this acting advice: acting is reacting. You're not performing at your audience—you're responding to your own words, feeling them, reacting to them. The smallest authentic reaction says more than any amount of theatrical performance.
The organizers aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for someone real who has something worth sharing. Be that person, and you'll give yourself the best possible chance.
