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Learning to Be Heard - Global Public Speaking Challenge
A free, global speaking challenge for high school students aged 14-18 anywhere in the world who have a message, idea or question they want to share. Enter for the chance to win a full or partial scholarship to 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 one-minute video to submit your entry.
Key Dates
Competition Opens:
November 2, 2026
Submission Deadline:
January 10, 2027
Results Announced:
January 25, 2027
Scholarship Redemption:
February 10, 2027
Course Dates:
June & August 2027
What is the challenge about?
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 responding to the prompt, sharing a message they would want the world to hear. The focus is on ideas, authenticity and potential, not on polished public speaking.
The strongest submissions are awarded full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School in summer 2027, where students learn 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
- Entries must be in English, but there is no proficiency requirement. Judges are listening for your idea, not perfect language.
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, one minute maximum
- Recorded in English on a phone or laptop
- Speak directly to the camera, with your face visible
- No slides or editing required
- One to two written sentences explaining your idea and why it matters to you
- One entry per person
How submissions are judged
Submissions are evaluated using clear and accessible criteria:
- Idea clarity (40%)
- Originality and impact (40%)
- Reflection and story connection (20%)
Judging focuses on potential and motivation, not polished delivery. We are not marking production quality, accent, fluency or confidence. A full rubric is in the Competition Guide.
FAQs
You can use AI tools for research and to check spelling and grammar. You can't use them to write your entry. What you say needs to be your own, in your own words. This applies to your script as well as any written note you submit.
The submission deadline is 10 January 2027, 23:59 UK time. All entries must be submitted through the official entry form, which is linked on this page.
Your scholarship can be used for any TED Summer School course in 2027: in person in London, New York, Singapore or Sydney, or Virtual TED Summer School. You'll be asked about your preferred location when you submit.
Please note that in-person courses are for students aged 15-18. If you'll be 14, you're very welcome to enter, and your scholarship can be used for Virtual TED Summer School.
Yes. Entering the challenge isn't required. It's one route to a full or partial scholarship, but you're welcome to apply for TED Summer School directly, whether or not you enter.
You'll receive the Competition Guide, with tips, examples and submission guidance, plus reminder emails.
Any high school student aged 14-18. There are no restrictions on nationality or background, and entry is completely free.
