Do you have a "big idea" to share?
The TED organization launches a new initiative to find undiscovered ideas
Many of you know about my background working on TEDx events (22 and counting) so it won’t come as a surprise to reveal that finding people who are not well-known, but have a great idea to share, has long been a passion of mine. And that’s why I was looking forward to today’s conference call (along with a couple hundred other folks) with Chris Anderson, the man behind TED, as he not only explained this initiative, “My Big Idea”, but had us watch their first episode and provide some feedback on both the concept and execution.
At TED, what we've discovered is that some of the best ideas come from really the most unexpected places. ~ Chris Anderson
The videos they’re producing combine a TED Talk with a journey behind the scenes:
If you've ever wondered how you can give a TED Talk, you're not alone. TED believes that ideas change everything — and that they can come from unexpected places. So, as part of our global Idea Search program, we issued an open call to anyone in the UK in search of the biggest, boldest and brightest ideas. Out of 500 applicants, 10 were selected to speak at a special in-person TED event in partnership with TEDxBrighton. In this film, you'll meet all 10 speakers and follow the process of going from an idea in someone's head to an actual TED Talk on the stage. We're always looking for the next big idea — maybe yours could be next.
The process is very familiar to me, as I’ve reviewed hundreds of potential speakers to find 12 to take the stage at one of my past events, but the general public only sees the finished product — either sitting in the audience or watching a video online. Sharing how the process works — from a speaker’s initial idea to a finished talk — is one way to highlight the fact that anyone can be a public speaker and present an idea. Here’s their video which explains the concept in greater detail:
What If You Could Give a TED Talk? An Inside Look at "My Big Idea"
As with everything at TED — from posting their talks online for free to letting crazy people like me create our own events — this program is a gamble. They’re devoting a lot of time (and money) to get this idea into the world, but will it find an audience?
Time will tell. They’ve posted the first three videos on YouTube so I thought I would share, just in case you’ve got an idea of your own that you feel the world should hear.
Episode 1: A Joyful Way to Get Outside | Hazel Cottle
As a mother and occupational therapist, Hazel Cottle knows how important it is for both her kids and her patients to spend time outdoors. It sparks joy, brings people together and improves lives. Yet in the UK, a country where it rains a lot, it can be tempting to stay warm and dry inside the house. Hazel thinks she has the perfect solution to encourage families to get outside — even when it’s wet and dreary.
Episode 2: Can a Boxing Gym Transform a Community? | Percy Tussamba
Percy Tussamba was born in Angola, but after a very turbulent time for his family, was forced to leave his home and ended up in the UK. Faced with the challenge of starting a new life in an unfamiliar place, he found a sport that changed his life. Now he wants to share his experience and help build community for other refugees, helping them establish themselves and thrive.
Episode 3: A Monthly Miracle Packed with Scientific Potential | Karli Büchling
Karli Büchling hates blood, but she has devoted herself to studying it in the service of women’s health. Exploring centuries of stigma around the study of women’s health, she unveils a bold idea to unlock medical breakthroughs in the field. Join Karli as she prepares and delivers her big idea in a groundbreaking TED Talk — and gets exciting news that could accelerate her research and help millions worldwide.
Now back to you…
Let me know what you think of this new format. Engaging? Novel? And if you have an idea of your own, post that in the comments too. I’m interested in hearing about your impression of the program.
And should you have money burning a hole in your pocket, become a paid subscriber. That will get you a virtual high-five as well as a discount on my services. Founding members also receive a one hour coaching session to work on developing their story.