TEDx Guidelines

TEDxFullerton

Watch a recording of the orientation here. 

1. Theme 2025: Building Bridges

• In a world often divided by differences, "Building Bridges" is about fostering connection, understanding, and collaboration. 
• This theme explores how we can bridge gaps—between cultures, ideas, generations, industries, and perspectives—to create a more inclusive and innovative future.
• How does your TEDx talk convey this theme?
• Application opens, Sunday Mar 9, 2025
• The event will be held on Sunday, Oct 5, 2025 at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton
• You’ll receive 2 monthly trainings from May to September and it’s mandatory to attend all of them.

Content Guidelines

1. No Commercial Agendas

• Do not pitch your products or services, plug your books, or ask for funding. 
• While entrepreneurs and business leaders can speak at TEDx events, your talk should be driven by an idea and not sell from the stage
• As a rule of thumb: if it feels like an advertisement, it probably is

2. No political agendas or inflammatory rhetoric

• Politics, social issues, and policy are key parts of the global conversation. However, TEDx stages are not the place for partisan politics, nor for extremist or inflammatory positions. 
• Speakers must not attack or advocate for parties, party platforms, and political leaders in their talk. 
• They must not advocate for violence or oppression. Focus on discussing concrete problems and solutions.
• Special care should also be taken with politically divisive subjects (eg. abortion, gun control) so as to avoid polarizing “us vs. them” language. 
• Speakers should focus on consensus-building and nuanced discussion. 

2. No religious agendas

• Do not attempt to prove or persuade the correctness of a single religion, deity or other belief system (such as atheism or agnosticism), whether through rhetoric or "scientific proof."
• Do not promote new age beliefs, including concepts such as quantum consciousness, Gaia theory, archaeoastronomy, and drug-induced spiritual epiphanies.
• Speakers can be honest about their beliefs, but should not use the stage to promote them or to denigrate those who don’t share them.

3. No bad science

Claims made using scientific language should:

• Be testable experimentally
• Have been published in a peer-reviewed, respected journal
• Be based on theories that are also considered credible by experts in the field
• Be backed up by experiments that have generated enough data to convince other experts of its legitimacy
• Have proponents who are secure enough to acknowledge areas of doubt and need for further investigation
• Not fly in the face of the broad existing body of scientific knowledge
• Be presented by a speaker who has the right scientific qualifications
• Show clear respect for the scientific method and scientific thinking generally.

Who should apply?

1. Experts with a unique idea: People who have original insights, research, or innovations in any field (science, education, technology, health, social impact, etc.).
2. Thought leaders or changemakers: Those leading new initiatives, movements, or projects that make a difference.
3. Storytellers with a purpose: Individuals who have overcome something extraordinary or learned a powerful life lesson that others can benefit from.
4. Passionate advocates: People deeply committed to an idea worth spreading, who can clearly articulate why it matters.
5. Creative thinkers: Artists, designers, entrepreneurs, or creatives with ideas that challenge the status quo.
6. Educators and researchers: Anyone with new knowledge that can be presented in a clear, engaging, and non-academic way.

Who shouldn’t apply?

1. People looking to sell a product or service: TEDx talks are not business pitches or promotional opportunities.
2. Overly self-promotional speakers: It's about the idea, not personal branding or career advancement.
3. Motivational speakers with vague advice: Talks like “follow your dreams” or “never give up” are discouraged unless deeply grounded in a fresh, specific, and insightful perspective.
4. Political or religious proselytizers: TEDx is not a platform for pushing specific political parties, religious doctrines, or ideologies.
5. Conspiracy theorists or pseudoscience promoters: Talks must be evidence-based and fact-checked.
6. People without a clear, focused idea: If it’s just a personal story without a broader takeaway, or if it's too general, it's likely not a fit.

We are looking for people who are:

1. Collaborative
2. Coachable
3. Committed

Your idea:

1. Is it new?
2. Is it interesting? (to a broad audience)
3. Is it factual and realistic? (Can your call to action be executed?)

Selection Process:

Round 1: Application questions

Round 2: Application questions & 1 minute video

Round 3: Application questions & Zoom interview