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Learning to Be Heard – Global Public Speaking Challenge
A free, global virtual speaking challenge for high school students (aged 14-18) around the world who have a message, idea, or question they want to share. The competition offers participants a chance to win a full or partial scholarship to the TED Summer School.
Imagine everyone in the world is listening to you for one minute. What message or idea would you share, and why?
Record a short 1-minute video to submit your entry.
Key Dates
Competition Opens:
23 January 2026
Submission Deadline:
26 February 2026
Results Announced:
By 20 March 2026
Scholarship Redemption:
15 April 2026
Programme Dates:
July & August 2026
What is the challenge about?
Powered by the TED Summer School, the Global Public Speaking Challenge invites high school students aged 14–18 to take a first step in expressing an idea that matters to them. Students submit a short video response to the prompt, sharing a message they would want the world to hear. The focus is on ideas, authenticity, and potential, not on advanced public speaking skills.
Best submissions may be awarded full or partial scholarships to attend the TED Summer School in summer 2026, where students learn how to develop and communicate ideas with clarity and confidence.
Who can apply?
- High school students aged 14–18
- Open to students of all nationalities and backgrounds
- An English proficiency level of B2+ is recommended, but clarity of ideas matters more than perfect language skills.
Why take part?
By participating in the competition, you can:
- Challenge yourself to formulate and share an idea that matters to you
- Build experience and confidence in expressing your thoughts and opinions
- Take a first step toward developing communication and speaking skills
- Have the opportunity to win a full or partial scholarship to attend the TED Summer School
Submission format
- A short video (max 1 minute)
- Recorded in English on a phone or laptop
- Speak directly to the camera (your face must be visible)
- No slides or editing required
- Optional: add 1–2 written sentences explaining your idea and why it matters to you
How submissions are judged
Submissions are evaluated using clear and accessible criteria:
- Idea Clarity
- Originality & Impact
- Reflection & Story Connection
The judging process focuses on potential and motivation, not polished delivery. A full rubric is available in the Competition Guide.
FAQs
The submission deadline is 26th February, 2026. All entries must be submitted via the official Entry Submission Form.
The scholarship can be used for any of our in-person TED Summer School programmes in 2026: London, New York, or Singapore, as well as the Virtual TED Summer School programme. You will be asked about your preferred location upon submission.
Yes. Participation in the challenge is not required to apply for TED Summer School. The competition offers a pathway to partial or full scholarships, but students are welcome to apply to the programme independently, with or without entering the challenge. You can find application requirements and apply via the official TED Summer School application form.
Once you register your interest, you’ll receive a Competition Guide with tips, examples, submission guidance, and reminder emails to help you prepare your entry. Registering interest also ensures that you’re on track to submit your video on time, through a series of helpful reminders.
Any high school student aged 14-18 is eligible to enter this competition. There are no restrictions on background or nationality.
