Question 1

What is vision behind TEDxUStreetWomen

Accepted Answer

TEDxUStreetWomen is the place to go for thought-provoking talks and conversations about the power of women in our world today. Our events bring together powerful, inspiring female speakers from all walks of life to share their stories and impactful ideas. Our mission is to create a platform for women to be heard, in order to empower and inspire others to take action in their own lives.

We have hosted events in the past that have featured some of the most influential female leaders of our time. We are passionate about creating a space for women to come together, learn from one another and be empowered. Join us and experience the power of TEDxUStreetWomen.

Question 2

What is Bold + Brilliant = Badass?

Accepted Answer

Bold + Brilliant = Badass is our Mantra!

What do we mean when we say, Bold + Brilliant =  Badass?  To be Bold, means you are willing to speak out for the issues that mean the most to you.  To be Brilliant, means you have the experience, knowledge, and passion needed to advocate for your idea. When you combine Bold + Brilliant, the results is a Badass. Being a Badass means that, despite your fear, any potential backlash/criticism, or how unpopular your idea maybe to some, you will still push forward to share your truth.

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Question 3

How can I be a TEDxUStreetWomen speaker?

Accepted Answer

Please note: TEDx is a platform for sharing original, idea-driven content that inspires thought and sparks conversation. While we value passion and personal experience, this opportunity is best suited for those with compelling ideas rather than promotional content for books, businesses, or motivational speaking. We encourage you to focus on the strength of your idea and its potential to make a meaningful impact.

To become a TEDxUStreetWomen speaker, you must apply for our "People's Choice" Talent Showcase. This event is held quarterly, culminating in a finale each February.

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to pitch your TED-worthy idea live on stage in just 5 minutes. Your goal will be to convince both the curation team and the audience why your idea deserves to be shared on the TEDxUStreetWomen platform. Voting will be conducted through an online system to ensure accuracy and fairness.

The winner(s) of the Talent Showcase will automatically secure a spot as a TEDx speaker at our main event. Additionally, participants will benefit from valuable feedback and tips from the audience members as well as networking opportunities.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to stand on the main TEDxUStreetWomen stage as the "People's Choice" Speaker of the Year.

PLEASE NOTE:

Contestants are required to appear in person for all events. Online participation will not be permitted.

Acceptance of your pitch is not guaranteed. Each submission will be carefully reviewed and evaluated according to our selection criteria.

Contestants traveling from out of town are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations.

Attendance in person is mandatory for both the initial pitch event and the finale event.

Kindly be aware that participation does not guarantee advancement or selection.

Question 4

What is the People's Choice Talent Showcase

Accepted Answer

The People’s Choice Talent Showcase is an innovative program designed to discover local talent and ideas while fostering community engagement. Modeled after an "American Idol"-style format, this program provides individuals the opportunity to pitch their “idea worth sharing” to the curation team and a live audience for a chance to become the next TEDx speaker.

How It Works
There are two opportunities each year—Spring and Summer—for participants to pitch their ideas.
Application and Vetting:

Interested individuals must submit an online TEDx application.
The curation team reviews applications to ensure that applicants meet TEDx speaker qualifications.
Qualified candidates are interviewed to discuss TEDx guidelines and the responsibilities of being a TEDx speaker.

Pitch Events:

Final vetted candidates are invited to participate in one of the pitch events, presenting their ideas to the community, the Executive Producer, and the curation team.
During each event, the audience votes for their favorite ideas.
The top five speakers from each event advance to the finals.

The Finals:

The final event, held in Winter, brings together the top 10 speakers (five from each pitch event) to compete for the title of “People’s Choice Winner.”
Community members vote both in-person and online for the speaker they believe should earn the title.
While only one individual is crowned People’s Choice Winner, the curation team awards “Golden Tickets” to additional standout speakers with exceptional ideas. These individuals are also invited to speak at the main event.

Main Event Preparation:

All selected speakers, including the People’s Choice Winner and Golden Ticket recipients, participate in training to refine their talks and prepare for the TEDxUStreetWomen main stage in Fall.

Impact of the People’s Choice Talent Showcase
This program fills a significant portion of the speaker slots for the TEDxUStreetWomen main event. It not only identifies high-quality local speakers but also creates an engaging and dynamic platform for the community to be part of the TEDx experience.
By combining rigorous curation with community involvement, the People’s Choice Talent Showcase ensures that every speaker who takes the stage represents TEDxUStreetWomen’s mission of sharing ideas worth spreading.

Question 5

Why do I have to apply to attend

Accepted Answer

The TED/TEDx platform emphasizes quality, engagement, and diversity among its audience, which is why attending a TED/TEDx Conference involves both application and invitation. By requiring attendees to apply, TED/TEDx is able to handpick individuals who are not only intellectually curious but are also leaders and innovators in their respective areas. This careful selection adds to the richness of the event, with attendees contributing their unique perspectives, ensuring lively and informed discussions.

The application process allows TED/TEDx to gather information about each applicant's background, interests, and contributions, which aids in the curating of an audience that reflects a wide array of fields and ideas.

Question 6

Do I have to live in the Washington DC area to be a pitch my idea or to be a TEDxUStreet speaker?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to reside in the Washington, DC area to participate as a TEDxUStreetWomen speaker. However, please note the following:

- In-Person Participation Required: All speakers are required to present their talks "in person". We are no longer streaming talks virtually.  
- Travel and Accommodation Costs: If you choose to participate in any TEDxUStreetWomen local events, including our Talent Showcase, you are responsible for arranging and covering all travel, lodging, and related expenses.  
- Local Event Requirements: If you are selected as a speaker and we require your attendance at more than one event (i.e. Talent Showcase Finale), you will be expected to attend "in person" and cover any associated costs.  
- Lodging Recommendations: Unfortunately, TEDxUStreetWomen cannot provide suggestions or recommendations for accommodations.

Please ensure you are prepared to meet these requirements before committing to participate. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your powerful ideas!

Question 7

Can you give me some tips to consider when completing my application?

Accepted Answer

1.  Make sure your idea is one clear sentence that addresses a clear problem worth solving.
2.  Make sure your talk includes the solution to the problem you are solving. 
3.  Follow the directions and answer all of the questions with authenticity and vulnerability -  keep it short and concise. 
4.  Remember, even if you are telling a personal story – where are you going with it? What’s your idea? How will it inspire others?
5.  Make sure your entire talk is not a series of anecdotal stories about yourself.  Your talk must be rooted in evidence based material.  
6.  Make sure your audition tape is no longer than 5 minutes and it shows your personality.  Also, make sure your link not set to private.  
7.  Dream big. Strive to create the best talk you have ever given. Reveal something never seen before. Do something the audience will remember forever. Share an idea that could change the world.
8.  Be vulnerable. Show us the real you. Share your passions, your dreams and also your fears.  Speak of failure as well as of success and connect with your emotions.
9.  Make the complex plain. Don’t try to dazzle intellectually. Don’t speak abstractly. Explain! Give examples. Tell stories. Be specific. And make sure you check your sources and data. Oh and skip any commercial, political or religious agenda.
10. Make the story worth listening to. Connect with your audience, make them laugh! Make them cry! Take them on a journey. And make sure your audience feels motivated or more self-aware after your story.

Question 8

What are your deal breakers?

Accepted Answer

1. Do not submit a video that does not relate to the theme.
2. Do not submit your marketing video.
3. Do not submit a link to your webpage when we ask for your bio. 
4. Follow instructions completely and ask clarifying questions.  We will respond as quickly as we can.  
5.  Sending a private audition link.  We can not open it.
6.  No commercial agendas.  Speakers may never use the TED or TEDx stage to pitch their products or services, plug their books, or ask for funding. While entrepreneurs and business leaders can speak at TEDx events, their talk should be driven by an idea and not sell from the stage. A TEDx event is not a platform for professional or circuit speakers, such as motivational speakers and professional life coaches--it's a fine line between shameless self-promotion and wholesome self-reporting so, as a rule of thumb, if it feels like an advertisement, it probably is.
7.  No political agendas or inflammatory rhetoric.
8.  No religious agendas.
9.  No bad science.

Question 9

I submitted the same pitch for another stage and was not selected, can I submit the same idea?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  If you presented on the TED stage before, please make sure your idea is different.

Question 10

Is the application and event only for women?

Accepted Answer

No.  Anyone can attend and speak.  The only requirement is that the topic must be relatable to women.

Question 11

I submitted my application, but I haven’t heard from anyone?

Accepted Answer

Due to the large number of applications, we are only able to respond to those who have advanced to the second round.

Question 12

I was not selected, can you provide feedback?

Accepted Answer

Given the volume of applications, we are unable to provide feedback at this time, but we hope that you stay connected with all things TED.

Question 13

Can I have notes on stage?

Accepted Answer

It is important to rehearse and prepare your talk to show that you take being on the TED stage seriously. If you have some serious concerns with memorizing your talk, please speak to the curator immediately.

Question 14

Do you pay your speakers?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not pay our speakers.  Speakers who do not live near Washington DC, must provide their own transportation and lodging accommodations.

Question 15

Is there a fee to be a speaker

Accepted Answer

No.  We do not charge individuals to be an official TEDxUStreetWomen speaker.

Question 16

Do you get paid to curate a TEDx event?

Accepted Answer

No, no one on our team is paid.  We are all volunteers.

Question 17

If I have questions, can I call you?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions, please send an email to info@tedxustreetwomen.com.  We will do our best to respond to your in a timely manner.

Question 18

How do you fund your event?

Accepted Answer

Ticket sales, sponsorships, partnerships, & LOVE..😍 ALL proceeds go towards the event.  We take donations as well.  TED does not help fund our events.

Question 19

My plans changed, can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately none of our events registration fees are refundable.  All of our income go directly to the costs of holding the event.

Question 20

If I can not get a refund, can I give my ticket away?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tickets are transferable.  Please contact the organizer for transfer information.

Frequently Asked Questions