I agree with your point in general, but given this statement from the post:
> Start with some basic web research. You should be able to understand at least the big issues in every field you present onstage. Wikipedia is your first stop to gain a basic background.
(emphasis mine) you might be expecting too much of the TEDx organizers. If they're referring these people to Wikipedia to evaluate the speakers credentials, probably reading off the degree name is closer to their capabilities than evaluating the scope and prominence of their research.
> Start with some basic web research. You should be able to understand at least the big issues in every field you present onstage. Wikipedia is your first stop to gain a basic background.
(emphasis mine) you might be expecting too much of the TEDx organizers. If they're referring these people to Wikipedia to evaluate the speakers credentials, probably reading off the degree name is closer to their capabilities than evaluating the scope and prominence of their research.