Solving for X

In this special episode of Solving for X, Chris Anderson, Head of TED, talks through TED’s journey from the initial impact of the global crisis through to today - and beyond, reflecting on how TED is adapting and growing. Listen in for thoughts on how to transform your own TEDx strategy during a time of crisis.

2:28 - The realizations of the challenges the coronavirus pandemic would possibly create

7:00 - The recognition that TED’s ideology of ideas worth spreading extends beyond gathering in person

10:01 - A description of TEDConnects and its short-form programing

14:02 - The distinctive voice of TED and the crucial part it can play in creating impact and forward-thinking solutions

21:31 - Tips, suggestions, and ideas for TEDxers around the world to explore community engagement in the midst of the pandemic

29:32 - How to step up in the face of unforeseen circumstances and emerge as a mindful leader

This special edition episode of Solving for X celebrates you, the TEDx community. We asked organizers from around the world to share stories about how their TEDx events have impacted their local communities.

As we listened to each voice—from Caracas to Tokyo to Beirut—we were moved by the hard work and dedication each of you puts into this work.

These stories aren’t only about organizing an event, they are a reflection about why TEDx matters, and why all of you make a profound difference in the world. Thank you to each TEDxer featured for your wisdom and impact:

Florentina Niradewi, TEDxJakarta, Indonesia

Jacqui Chew, TEDxAtlanta, USA

Viiveck Verma, TEDxHyderabad, India

Gillian Cameron, TEDxToronto, Canada

Victor Becerra, TEDxCaracas, Venezuela

Kat Haber, TEDxVail, USA

Yusuke Suzuki, TEDxTokyo, Japan

Elena Crescia, TEDxSãoPaulo, Brazil

Javier Yunes, TEDxRosario, Argentina

Sara Sabai, TEDxHamraSalon, Lebanon

Raji Sarath, TEDxMunnar, India

Mats Lederhausen, TEDxChicago, USA

In this episode, Jay and Andrea Manticò, creative director of TEDxVicenza, discuss how to develop a design identity that creates a sensory experience. Tune in as Andrea provides a detailed walkthrough of TEDxVincenza’s process for building activations that deepen the connection between the attendees and the event.

1:50 - A transformative visual activation that can engage the emotions of your attendees

6:02 - The power of integrating sound as supportive material during TEDx talks

8:15 - How to incorporate the theme of an event into every design element

11:03 - A creative way to connect TEDx organizers by sharing recipes from around the world

13:17 - A step by step runthrough of TEDxVicenza’s graphic design process

16:54 - Solutions for how to create meaningful design elements on a shoestring budget

20:32 - How taking ownership of TEDxVicenza has been creatively liberating for the team

This episode features Jimmy Tan, organizer of TEDxGuangzhou (TEDxXiguan) in China. Tune in to hear Jay and Jimmy explore how TEDxGuangzhou creates a space where traditional and modern ideas can come together. Jimmy shares his thoughts on what the TEDx community can learn from TEDx events in China, and how the entire TEDx community can benefit from learning from connecting with each other.

2:42 - How TEDxXiguan empowers attendees to gather to talk about topics they are passionate about

7:40 - The significance of curating ideas that are deeply rooted in a community’s specific cultural context

9:09 - A breakdown of social media alternatives and how they are used within the TEDx community in China

14:02 - Tips for conveying the immense value of TEDx to potential partners

15:38 - A perspective about why TEDx events should start small and grow slowly

18:29 - How combining traditional and innovative ideas can lead to powerful discussion

In this episode, Jay and Dora Dzvonyar, organizer of TEDxTUM in Munich, Germany, discuss how to empower a TEDx team to problem-solve creatively and independently. Listen in to hear intuitive strategies for how to set expectations and build a team that is eager to experiment. Here Dora shares her story about radical delegation and how TEDx events around the world can benefit from distributing responsibility throughout the team.

5:11 - A breakdown of how to execute a week-by-week curriculum around the TEDx essentials

9:44 - How to set up a team that can creatively approach challenges

11:54 - The importance of having different perspectives when problem-solving

14:37 - How to communicate the value of discipline and clear goals while having fun

18:01 - An approach that long-time organizers can take to manage burnout

22:22 - The power of sharing resources with the TEDx Community

This episode features Jay and Nun Tansrisakul— the activation lead at TEDxBangkok. Listen in as they discuss how to embody the vibrant and diverse culture of your local community with activations that extend beyond the stage.

2:08 - The beautiful range of lifestyles within Bangkok

5:06 - How to unlock the full potential of an event by creating spaces for people to share their knowledge

9:19 - An innovative activation that engages the senses

11:17 - A method to help speakers collaborate on bringing their ideas to life

16:02 - Thoughts on how activations can be environmentally sustainable

25:42 - How the TEDx platform can be used to explore your personal creativity without limits

In this episode, Jay and Katy Yam, organizer of TEDxMontreal, explore the team’s democratic approach to speaker selection. Tune in as Katy details each step of their curation strategy, which is rooted in humility and trust.

4:13 - How broadening your curation team leads to unearthing diverse ideas

10:02 - Qualities to look for when recruiting new curators and volunteers

12:15 - A walk through of the speaker selection process

14:42 - The structure of TEDxMontreal’s selection committee and voting system

20:51 - How to maintain a democratic speaker selection process

23:20 - The importance of putting cultural diversity at the center of curation

In this episode, Jay and Bruno Giussani, TED's Global Curator, explore how to curate local ideas with global resonance. Tune in to hear Bruno share his perspective on curation — and how TEDx organizers can take a balanced approach when curating challenging topics.

1:25 - A definition of what it means to be a curator

3:26 - A story about an early event curator and his research strategy

7:10 - Timeless strategies for how to dive deep into the search for ideas

11:07 - The steps a curator can take from mapping ideas to bringing them on stage

14:04 - How to make global topics relevant to audiences around the world

17:30 - Thoughts on how to frame political and religious talks without pushing an agenda

21:08 - How to make sure a controversial topic is presented in a balanced way

In this conversation, Jay and David Rae, host of TEDxPortland in Oregon, discuss the essential elements of hosting a TEDx event. Tune in to hear David reveal tips about how to be composed and graceful on stage.

2:30 - The key to being a successful host

5:15 - An approach that can help the audience feel at ease

10:28 - Tips for how to memorize and prepare your hosting script

12:57- The contents of the TEDxPortland host toolkit

16:02 - How to overcome unexpected challenges during an event

22:37 - How bonding with the speakers leads to more authentic hosting

This episode features Ladan Wise, Deputy Director of TED Conferences team. In this conversation, Ladan shares TED’s detailed communication plan - before, during, and after an event. Listen in as the two explore how to foster a long-lasting connection amongst attendees.

2:36 - A description of the consistent voice that TED uses

4:53 - A walkthrough of how each event is marketed

7:56 - The strategy behind the timing of each weekly countdown email

12:12 - How clear communication can make an event more accessible

14:16 - How to create a seamless arrival experience for attendees

17:19 - A cure for the post-event TED-ache

25:21 - How each attendee can create their own customized experience