TEDxValenciaHighSchool FAQs

TED vs. TEDx?

Since the TED Organization launched more than forty years ago, TED and TEDx Talks have become increasingly popular. Whether you’re among business professionals, high school and college students, or professional speakers – like us – you’re sure to hear at least one Talk recommended, either for its unique approach to a common topic or its motivational message. In either case, there are thousands of presentations to choose from. The only thing you have to decide is which to watch first, leading many first-time viewers to ask, “What’s the difference between TED and TEDx Talks?

Essentially, TED Talks are aimed at a global audience while TEDx talks are designed for smaller, local audiences. While the former take place at the globally-known TED Conference, the latter are organized independently by regional groups, resulting in speakers and topics tailored specifically to the community in which the event takes place.

That said, despite these differences, both TED and TEDx talks are incredible sources of inspiration, regardless of your profession or personal interests.

With that in mind, let’s dive into some additional details behind TED and TEDx events. We’ll also share a few of the most-watched TED and TEDx Talks. That way, even if you’re new to the TED world, you can start with the best of the best.

Is TEDx credible?

SHORT ANSWER: YES!

LONGER ANSWER: Another common TED-related question is, “Are TEDx speakers credible?” To put it simply, considering the credentials and experience of the vast majority of TED speakers, TEDx Talks are considered to be highly credible. For science or mathematics-based Talks, for instance, organizers typically select speakers based on their exceptional education in the field. Likewise, for any Talk topic, the speaker usually has a great deal of related life experience, so you know they don’t just preach about their message. They’ve lived it, too.

Between TED and TEDx events, when it comes to speaker credibility, however, speakers for the annual TED Conference tend to be a little more prestigious. As I mentioned before, this generally means speakers on par with Bill Gates or Elon Musk, since it’s more competitive to speak there and it serves a much wider audience than the average TEDx event.

TEDx FAQs

QUESTION: What is a TEDx Talk?

A TEDx Talk is a showcase for speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes. TEDxValenciaHighSchool is a TEDx YOUTH EVENT - so Ms. Filowitz would like all talks to be under ten minutes.

QUESTION: Why under 10 minutes?

This short talk model works, since it only demands the audience's attention for a short period of time, decreasing the chance of minds wandering or daydreaming about lunch. In fact, some of our greatest TED Talks have been as short as 5 minutes long!

EXAMPLES OF SHORT, BUT SUCCESSFUL TED & TEDx TALKS:

QUESTION: What is a great, well-formed idea?

It can actually be one of two things:

Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience has never heard about.

A great basic idea (that your audience has maybe already heard) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges beliefs and perspectives.

In other words, an idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes certain evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.

QUESTION:

What are the different types of TED/TEDx Talks?

THE BIG IDEA

The talks that make one or two very strong points, and it’s important. Examples: Bryan Stevenson, Onora O'Neill, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

THE TECH DEMO

An onstage look at some clever new invention that the speaker was a part of creating. Examples: Tan Le, Markus Fischer, Raffaello D'Andrea

THE PERFORMANCE

Music, dance, magic, puppetry, or some other performance to captivate your audience. Examples: Usman Riaz + Preston Reed, Arthur Benjamin, Pilobolus

THE ARTIST’S STATEMENT In these talks, artists showcase their art and explain the meaning and process behind what they create. Examples: Raghava KK, Liu Bolin, Aparna Rao

THE “DAZZLE WITH WONDER”

These talks are mainly about the amazement of science and discovery. Examples: Yoav Medan, Marcus Byrne, Janna Levin

THE SMALL IDEA

These talks are not about one big, world-changing idea, but instead a very engaging take on an interesting topic. Examples: Mary Roach, Joe Smith, Charlie Todd

THE “ISSUE” TALK These talks expose your audience to an issue that they may not otherwise know much about. Examples: Rodrigo Canales, Lawrence Lessig, Rose George

QUESTION: What event am I auditioning for? TEDxValenciaHighSchool

QUESTION: What’s the difference between “TED” and “TEDx”?

TEDx are independent TED-like events, which can be organized by anyone who obtains a free license from TED, agreeing to follow certain principles.^[66] TEDx events are non-profit but may use an admission fee or commercial sponsorship to cover costs^[67]. Similarly, speakers are not paid. They must also relinquish the copyrights to their materials, which TED may edit and distribute under a Creative Commons license.^[68]

QUESTION: Who organizes this event? Who is in charge?

A TEDx event is organized by volunteers from the local community, and just like TED events, it lacks any commercial, religious, or political agenda. Its goal is to spark conversation, connection, and community.

At VHS, Ms. Filowitz is our TEDxValenciaHighSchool Coordinator. The overall project is overseen by Vice Principal Louie. Mentor teachers are selected by the speakers. Mr. Boaz is our broadcasting director and Mr. Ronquillo is our technical theater director. Ms. Filowitz’s assistant this year is Brandon Kwon (12th Grade).

QUESTION: WHY SHOULD I WORK ON TEDx?

As of January 2014, the TEDxTalks library contained some 30,000 films and presentations from over 130 countries.^[69][70] In March 2013, eight TEDx events were organised every day; raised up from five in June 2012, the previous year, in 133 countries.^[71][72] TEDx presentations also include live performances, which are catalogued in the TEDx Music Project.^[73] In 2011, TED began a program called "TEDx in a Box" that allows people in developing countries to hold TEDx events. TEDx also expanded to include TEDxYouth events, TEDx corporate events, and TEDxWomen.^[^{citation needed}^] TEDxYouth events are independent programs set up for students roughly between 7–12 grades.^[74] These events usually have people closer to the age of the students and sometimes show TED Talks.^[^{citation needed}^] According to TEDxSanta Cruz, "as of 2015, over 1,500 [TEDx events] have been scheduled all over the world".^[75] TEDx events evolved over a period of time and events like TEDxBeaconStreet created TEDx Adventures for participants where participants sign up for free, hands-on experiences in their local communities, led by an expert.^[76]

TEDxValenciaHighSchool is a forum to explore theories of knowledge. Use your presentation to extend topics, conversations, insights, and thoughts. Enjoy THINKING and share your THINKING with us!

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