Rookie Mistake

The #1 TEDx Blunder and 5 Ways to Overcome It

By Devin D. Marks | Published Feb 14, 2025

What's the most common TEDx mistake that hopeful speakers make?

Settling for the 1st opportunity that comes your way.

Not all TEDx events are created equal. With 3K+ annual conferences all around the world and all run by volunteers... There’s a wide gap in quality and know-how.

Fact is that many, many event organizers are learning on the job. Often they don’t have the resources to properly vet speaker ideas or produce high-quality videos.

Before applying to TEDxAnywhere, do your research and use these 5 tools to find your ideal TEDx event:

1. LEARN the complicated TED terrain. (Article here.)

2. VET the production quality. (7 tips here.)

3. REFINE-Refine-refine your idea. (7 tips here.)

4. BELIEVE you deserve the best stage. (Article here.)

5. FIND an independent TEDx coach. (4 tips here.)

Your idea is worth spreading. Invest the time and effort to find the right platform, and you'll have a chance to maximize your impact.

DEVIN D. MARKS is known as The TED Talk Whisperer. His firm, CONNECT to COMPEL, has served 100s of TED, TEDx, and short-talk speakers — including Harvard’s Dr. Robert Waldinger for his all-time Top 10 TEDx Talk. The result: 100s of millions of views for clients. He helps niche experts, authors, and leaders spread world-changing ideas. 

You can reach Devin at 617.804.6020, or DM him here. His newsletters are here.

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