Awards & Competitions
Learning to Be Heard – Global Public Speaking Challenge

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.

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.
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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