About TED
What is a TED talk?
A TED talk is a short, carefully prepared talk, demonstration or performance which centers around an original idea. TED talks can concern a wide variety of topics, and are meant to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter. TED talks are less than 18 minutes long and are presented by a single speaker. They are not advertisements, and cannot promote any agenda besides one of sharing knowledge. Our event will present a full-day program of live and pre-recorded talks. All of the TED talks given at our event will be filmed and uploaded on the TEDx YouTube channel. Additionally, all talks have a chance of being uploaded onto the official TED website, which receives millions of views per day.
What does a great TED talk look like?
It can discuss one of two things: Something that’s new and surprising; an idea or invention that your audience hasn’t heard of. Or, it can discuss a great basic idea (that your audience may already be aware of) with a compelling new argument behind it that challenges popular beliefs and presents new perspectives. A TED talk isn’t just a story or a list of facts. It challenges, informs, and inspires.
About TEDx
TEDx is an independently organized TED-like event where talks and performances are shared with the community. They are devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design united, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. The TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world, which makes the University of Amsterdam the ideal venue to do so.
TED vs. TEDx
TEDx events follow the format of TED, in the spirit of sharing innovative ideas around the world. They include both live speakers and pre-recorded talks. They are planned and coordinated entirely by volunteers independent of TED; therefore, the content and design of each TEDx event is unique. Nevertheless, all events share TED’s mission to spark conversation, connection, and community.