KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 30, 2025 – The meaning of funny goes beyond a simple joke. A google search for the definition will bring up a multitude of definitions. Other words associated with funny include questionable, as in “something funny is going on;” it can also describe a sensation. Anyone who’s been to the doctor has inevitably said, “This part here, it just feels funny.”

TEDxURI is looking to explore some of the different meanings of “funny” as part of its 2026 event. This year’s theme is “Now That’s Funny,” and organizers are accepting audition tapes for those who can challenge our perception of what funny means.

With this year’s theme in mind, organizers want presenters who can offer engaging and interesting ideas about people’s perceptions of humor and what funny is. While it’s ok to be funny, organizers aren’t looking for those auditioning to present standup routines.

Instead, organizers are looking for people who think outside the box and can tell a story that doesn’t necessarily have a punchline. It could be a story about an awkward moment or a funny story about something ironic — like a television news reporter who doesn’t like to be on camera.

TEDxURI 2026, will be held Sunday, March 1, at Edwards Hall, 64 Upper College Road on the Kingston Campus.

Those interested in becoming TEDxURI presenters have from Nov. 1 until Nov. 29 to submit their audition tape. Auditions are open to the URI community and to the public. Your video audition pitch should be between one to two minutes in length and uploaded to YouTube. The applications can be found on this link, and will also need to be completed. (Tips and submission details can also be found there also).

Submitted videos must be interesting, engaging and address this year’s theme. Do not set audition videos to “private.” (URI is not responsible for any unviewable videos). Applications and audition videos submitted after Nov. 29 will not be considered. 

If selected to be a presenter, each person’s TEDxURI talk will be between five and seven minutes long. URI will also provide coaches to help each person develop their TEDxURI talk. 

For more information or to view previous talks, visit the TEDxURI website.  

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx, a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. URI’s event is called TEDxURI, where x = independently organized TED events. TED Talk videos and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including URI are self-organized.