Apply to be a Speaker!
Untangling Wonder is an invitation to step into the unknown with curiosity, courage and imagination. It reflects CSU’s commitment to discovery, innovation and community engagement — and it sets the tone for the ideas we aim to elevate through TEDxClevelandStateUniversity.
The theme asks each of us to look closely at the complexities of our world and uncover the meaning, insight and possibility that lie just beneath the surface. It embraces both the mystery of not yet knowing and the joy of uncovering something new. The deadline to apply is March 1.
What You Should Know Before You Apply
Cleveland State University is rooted in exploration — through research, creativity and real-world impact
- Cleveland is a city built on reinvention and imagination
- The theme allows speakers from any discipline to connect their work to curiosity, meaning and discovery
- It encourages interdisciplinary dialogue, which is central to TED.
- It aligns with our identity as a place where ideas spark change
Untangling
To unravel what is complex, knotted or unclear
To break down a topic, question, or problem into its meaningful parts
To illuminate something that initially feels confusing or overwhelming
Wonder
A state of awe, curiosity and deep reflection
A moment where the world appears richer, more mysterious or more profound
A feeling that inspires exploration, creativity, humility and connection
Together, the theme represents the journey from curiosity to clarity, and the power of ideas to transform how we think and see the world.
Scholars describe wonder as a multidimensional experience with four interconnected elements:
Cognitive Dimension
Wonder begins with a “meaning gap” — an unexplained phenomenon, a surprising insight, or a new perspective.
This gap activates curiosity and drives our desire to explore, question, and understand.
Emotional Dimension
Wonder is a blend of fascination, surprise, awe, and even confusion.
This emotional mix heightens sensory awareness and releases dopamine, enhancing engagement and memory.
Motivational Dimension
Experiencing wonder fuels creativity, innovation, and prosocial behavior.
It invites generosity, openness, humility, and the pursuit of meaningful goals.
Existential Dimension
Wonder can prompt reflection on purpose, meaning, and one’s place in the world.
It often leads to spiritual, philosophical, or moral insight — a feeling of being connected to something larger.
Speakers are encouraged to:
- Illuminate something complex, hidden or misunderstood
- Share ideas that spark curiosity and expand understanding
- Explore the emotional or existential dimensions of their topic
- Offer fresh insights or reframe a familiar subject
- Invite the audience into a deeper, more reflective experience
- Connect their idea to a broader human conversation
The theme is intentionally broad — allowing talks that span science, art, technology, personal growth, community issues, global perspectives and more.