056: How to Become a TEDx Speaker with Tamsen Webster

If you’ve been wanting to do a TEDx talk, this episode is perfect for you.

My guest Tamsen Webster and I talk about everything TEDx, including what are the 3 key elements that make a great TEDx talk and how to know if you have a TED-worthy idea (“an idea worth spreading”).

Tamsen was the Executive Producer of one of the oldest and one of the largest locally organized TED talk events in the world, so she shares how she found speakers and what she looked for in TEDx applications (this may surprise you!).

You definitely don’t have to be a professional speaker to be selected for TEDx, but you do need to have authority and passion.

About My Guest: Tamsen Webster is an acclaimed keynote speaker, “idea whisperer,” and message strategist. She combined 20 years in marketing, 13 years as a Weight Watchers leader, and four years as Executive Producer of one of the oldest and one of the largest locally organized TED talk events in the world into a simple structure for understanding, talking about, and creating lasting change. As a result, she is an in-demand consultant on finding the ideas that move people to action.

The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox.

Highlights:

• The 3 key elements of a great TEDx talk
• Examples of universalizing your personal story
• How to know if you have a TED-worthy idea
• What TEDx organizers look for in applications
• How some TEDx organizers find speakers
• Why you should not do a TEDx talk as a business booster or marketing effort
• How to rehearse and the pros and cons of memorizing your talk

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/56

Visit Tamsen’s website at http://tamsenwebster.com/

Tammy Lally on What It Takes to Do a TEDx Talk - Episode 24

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Ready to create your signature talk or TEDx talk? Email me at carol@speakingyourbrand.com and we’ll set up a time to chat.

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Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026
If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.

A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.

In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.

As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.

Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable