How to Nail your TEDx Interview
One of the most nerve-wracking moments in the TEDx journey might not be the filming of your talk... it's often 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 Interview 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. So go into the process with this mindset and you can't go wrong.
2. 10 Common Interview Questions
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 just different angles on the same two core questions about your idea and your authenticity. Let me break down what they're really asking.
3. Decoding The Questions
“Tell Us About Yourself” isn’t an invitation for your resumé, 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 application video becomes invaluable. If they've already watched it (some don't require this as part of your submission), you can reference it 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 and let them guide the follow-up questions. Always assume they don't remember everything in your application and don't be shy to repeat it. If you're still crafting your idea or pitch video, be sure to watch my mini masterclass here.
When they ask “Why Are You Passionate About This Topic?” they’re might be 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 explicitly. If not, study their theme, watch their past talks, and articulate what specifically resonates with you. Generic answers make you forgettable; specificity makes you memorable.
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.
4. Shift Your Mindset: This Is a Pitch (sort of)
While the interview isn't a sales pitch, there is an element of it that is about being compelling or persuasive. After all isn't that what TED talks do? What we can learn from the "pitch" world is that the most successful ones create a sense of co-creation.
That's why question #10, "Do you have any questions for us?" is a huge 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 transformational talk?"
This question does three things: it invites them to share their passion, communicates that you want to be exceptional 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.
5. How to 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. Space for pause is good. Rambling destroys clarity.
Understand the Odds - Once you reach the interview stage and they've narrowed down the number of applicants, you typically have about a 50/50 chance of landing it (again, locations vary in their process, but this is more often the case than not). These are genuinely good odds if you've prepared properly. So, put in the work because you're nearly at the finish line!
Remember, the organizers aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for someone real, who is credible and has an idea worth sharing. Share it authentically and with passion, and you'll give yourself the best possible chance.
