What to expect after submitting your application?

As you might know, TEDx events aren’t typical conferences. TEDx is the place to give the talk of your life. We are happy to guide you through our process and answer your questions in advance. We as a volunteer team and together with the TEDxFrankfurt audience have high expectations of the speakers and their ideas. The TEDxFrankfurt speaker team works with speakers well in advance of the conference to help shape a presentation that will succeed on the TEDxFrankfurt stage and comply with the TED regulation and standards. 

So let us dive deep into some of the questions that might come up during the application process

How do I apply as a speaker/ How do I  suggest someone as a speaker?

Use our speaker application form and our dropbox to upload your video or you can share with us your unlisted YouTube Link. Please note that these links are valid only during the application phase and changes every year. 

I haven’t received an answer to my application?

We receive a large number of speaking applications, and each one needs to be reviewed and considered carefully according to the specific event we’re working on and complying with the TED regulations. Remember, TEDxFrankfurt is managed by a team of volunteers, investing their free time for this mission and initiative. It is not possible to reply to all submissions individually. We kindly ask you to refrain from reaching out to us via social channels or private accounts to check the status of your application or re-pitch your ideas in an email.

We’ll be sure to contact you if we want to find out more about your idea or take your proposal to the next step.  

Please don’t feel discouraged if your proposal isn’t right for us – we can only feature a small selection of ideas and it doesn’t mean you don’t have a great idea! With your permission, we’ll keep your application to consider for the future.

Can I speak at TED by becoming a sponsor/partner?

No. Read more about partnering with TEDxFrankfurt. Sponsoring TEDxFrankfurt has many benefits, but a guaranteed speaking slot is not one of them.

Will it help if I submit multiple nominations, or have my friends nominate me several times?

No. It really only takes one application with a video pitch.

Will my application be considered if I don’t submit the 2-min video?

No.

Which language should I submit for my pitch video?

Choose the language you would like to deliver your TEDx Talk. If you want to deliver in German, please provide us with the 2-min video in German language. If you want to deliver your final talk in English, then please send us the video in English language

I want to have a TEDx Talk in German, is this possible in the TEDxFrankfurt stage?

We are open to applications both in English and German, and also hosting a mixed event with both languages. What matters most to us is the ideas of the talks that should follow the overall TED content guideline and provide clear takeaways to the audience. 

Is there a deadline for applying as a speaker?

For the current year, there will be a deadline specified on our website. If you missed the deadline, you will be directed to our waiting for the next year. It’s best to apply within the given time frame and as early as possible, so we can research the candidates carefully and make the best decision.

I want to speak at TEDxFrankfurt, but my usual talk runs 30 minutes. Can I get a longer slot?

We strictly enforce the clock for all speakers. TEDxFrankfurt is the place to condense your ideas into a compelling 18-minute talk that communicates your best ideas. We’ve found that a carefully prepared presentation of this length can have astonishing impact.

What do you pay speakers?

TED & TEDxFrankfurt does not pay speakers. Benefits include pre-conference coaching and training, special events for networking, and a photo gallery from the day of the event. We are committed to creating an experience that’s tremendously fulfilling and beneficial on all sides.

An additional benefit of speaking at TEDxFrankfurt is that your presentation is published on the TED.com website and TEDx YouTube Channel, where your talk gets the chance to reach a larger audience.

If I get selected in the first phase, what awaits me till the big event day?

After the selection phase of all the applicants, you get the chance to have a 1:1 call with the curation team, to get to know you and your idea better. If we still need more insight towards your idea, we will request you submit additional material and content to it. After reviewing the additional material we will get back to you with a confirmation. Once confirmed you will be walked through the TEDxFrankfurt speaker journey and have the advantage of getting a coach to follow you along this journey, who can be provided by us or chosen on your own. 

If I get selected as a speaker and I live abroad, should I come in person anytime during the preparation time before the event?

We proceed with all our preparation calls and coaching sessions via online calls. The only time when your presence in person is mandatory is for the general rehearsal day – one month before the actual event.Date and time will be shared with you in advance. Here you will meet the team in person, get to practice your prepared talk, get a 360 degrees feedback, last changes if needed and the information you need about the stage, outfits, sound check and so much more.

I am a new artist who wants to perform on the TEDxFrankfurt stage. How can I apply?

We are currently looking for artists to perform at our TEDxFrankfurt events. If you are interested in applying as a performer, then keep a close eye on our website and social media channels for when the applications open. Once they do, follow the link and fill out the application form. After that, you wait for us to contact you. 

What should I know before applying as a speaker? 

Once the application form is open, everyone is welcomed to apply. In order to have a successful application, you should be passionate about your topic, be prepared to go through a rigorous journey with us and have the best intentions in mind. In case your talk idea is not fully developed, we suggest you take more time and apply next year once you have a clearer vision of what you want to talk about. Be prepared to send us a 2-min video introducing yourself and your talk idea, as well as a first abstract of your talk. 

Do you have keynotes or panels?

At TEDxFrankfurt there are no breakout sessions, no Q&As, no keynotes, or panels during the event day.

Should there be any unanswered questions that would be beneficial to future applicants, you can submit them to hello@tedxfrankfurt.com and we will expand on the question here. We kindly request you to not contact us for individual feedback or status checks of your application. 

Thank you for your understanding.