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Speaker Nomination Packet 2022 - 2 (2).jpg
  • Can I have notes on stage?
    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.
  • Do you pay your speakers?
    No, we do not pay our speakers. Speakers who do not live near Washington DC, must provide their own transportation and lodging accommodations.
  • What is vision behind TEDxUStreetWomen
    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.
  • If I have questions, can I call you?
    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.
  • I submitted my application, but I haven’t heard from anyone?
    Due to the large number of applications, we are only able to respond to those who have advanced to the second round.
  • What is the People's Choice Talent Showcase
    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.
  • What are your deal breakers?
    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.
  • Do I have to live in Washington DC to be a TEDxUStreet speaker?
    No, you do not have to live in Washington DC. If you choose to participate in any TEDxUStreet local events, you must provide and pay for your own transportation & accommodations, we are no longer streaming talks virtually. All of our speakers need to present their ideas in person. Unfortunately, we can not offer suggestions regarding lodging accommodations.
  • Is there a fee to be a speaker
    No. We do not charge individuals to be speakers.
  • Can you give me some tips to consider when completing my application?
    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.
  • What is Bold + Brilliant = Badass?
    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.    ​
  • Is the application and event only for women?
    No. Anyone can attend and speak. The only requirement is that the topic must be relatable to women.
  • Why do I have to apply to attend
    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.
  • How can I be a TEDxUStreetWomen speaker?
    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 Curation Team on how to deliver an impactful TEDx talk. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to stand on the main TEDxUStreetWomen stage as the "People's Choice" Speaker of the Year.
  • Do you get paid to curate a TEDx event?
    No, no one on our team is paid. We are all volunteers.
  • I was not selected, can you provide feedback?
    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.
  • How do you fund your event?
    Ticket sales, sponsorships, partnerships, & LOVE..😍 ALL proceeds go towards the event. We take donations as well. TED does not help fund our events.
  • I submitted the same pitch for another stage and was not selected, can I submit the same idea?
    Yes. If you presented on the TED stage before, please make sure your idea is different.
  • If I can not get a refund, can I give my ticket away?
    Yes, tickets are transferable. Please contact the organizer for transfer information.
  • My plans changed, can I get a refund?
    Unfortunately none of our events registration fees are refundable. All of our income go directly to the costs of holding the event.
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