HOW TO APPLY TO SPEAK AT TEDxEUSTIS
WHEN TO APPLY
BEFORE YOU APPLY
BEFORE YOU APPLY
The application period for our January 2024 event has not been announced yet. We do not accept early or late applications. You will benefit greatly by watching the videos and any other training we offer you before you submit your application during any year. We want you to have a successful application.
We also keep an eye out for opportunities to recommend that someone apply to speak.
Your application is the most important document you will give us. We base everything about your application on the content of your application. How you write it and the amount of thought you put into it is really important. If you do not share very clearly what your idea worth spreading is, you might as well not apply.
Speakers are limited to 18 minutes (and we prefer 12 max) on stage for our TEDx. We do NOT allow slides or other props.
You MAY NOT have someone else complete your application. That includes a publicist, assistant, or a business you pay to get you speaking opportunities.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
BEFORE YOU APPLY
BEFORE YOU APPLY
If speaking at a TEDx event is NOT on YOUR bucket list, don't apply. Also do not have your assistant or your publicist apply for you. We have very specific criteria you must meet when you apply, so it is in your best interest to wait until you have seen our videos on How to Apply.
Tip: It will not help your chances to speak if you contact us in advance. If we happen to know you, that will not help your chances, either.
HUGE TIP: Follow ALL directions. Even the most simple one, that is ignored far too often. Your location, including the state! If you will not follow those simple instructions, then...
EVEN BIGGER TIP: If speaking at a TEDx event is just to pad your resume, don't do it. You will not enjoy the prep work and time.
WHEN YOU APPLY
BEFORE YOU APPLY
OUR PROCESS AFTER APPLICATION
Don't rush to get your application in on day one. We don't even look at them until they all come in and you want this to be the very best application you have ever completed. No application has priority over another.
Tip: We do not decide on our Theme for our event until after applications have been received.
Tip: Before you hit the send button, re-read our instructions and your answers. We frequently get applications that do not follow the rules or answer the questions properly.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST, MUST, MUST BE IN EUSTIS FOR BOTH DAYS OF REHEARSAL AND THE EVENT. YOU CANNOT LEAVE EITHER EVENT UNTIL THEY ARE COMPLETED!
OUR PROCESS AFTER APPLICATION
OUR PROCESS AFTER APPLICATION
OUR PROCESS AFTER APPLICATION
A week or so after the deadline passes, the applications are provided to our team of readers, approximately 9 people. They read and score them based on our criteria and without your name and other identifying details on the applications.
Tip: Every talk we select is fact-checked by a total geek! You won't even get sci-fi past previous TEDxEustis Speaker, Curator Sabrina Sterling!
Our previous fact-checker was Ann Ivey, the Eustis Memorial Library Director. We thank her for the time she put into the chosen applications over the years.
IF YOU ARE OFFERED THE CHANCE
OUR PROCESS AFTER APPLICATION
IF YOU ARE OFFERED THE CHANCE
If we call and offer you the opportunity to speak, you need to know the following:
- We cannot pay speakers or your expenses.
- You will be assigned a coach, and deadlines are critical.
- You will need to be in Eustis, Florida, for 2 days, rehearsal day and the event.
Tip: This is not like any other talk you have ever given. It is 6 months of very hard, time-consuming work.
Tip Two: If you are unwilling to commit to every single coaching session, rehearsal, and reply to every email and/or text, do not accept the offer.
COMMUNICATION IS A MUST
OUR PROCESS AFTER APPLICATION
IF YOU ARE OFFERED THE CHANCE
Communication between all parties is critical. You must read and reply to many emails from the team, you must stay in contact with and work with your coach, and you must let us know when there is an issue that impacts deadlines.
Tip: We know life happens, but if you communicate with us regularly, we can work with issues that arise.
Communication Starts Here!
Read everything on this page!
Remember when completing the application to follow every direction.
Do You or Someone Else Have an IDEA WORTH SPREADING?
By Sabrina Sterling
Do you know someone with an idea worth spreading? Do you know someone who has previously applied to speak at a TEDx event and just missed the cut? Or, someone who has been thinking about doing a talk but hasn’t built up the courage? If so, spread the word! We would love for you to give your friends and family a gentle push to fill out the TEDxEustis Speaker Application. We are looking for speakers (and other folks, too!).
Just in case you have or get questions, here are a few frequently asked questions:
What is a TED or TEDx Talk?
Here are a few categories of talks that resonate with audiences. Source TED.
- The big idea: The talks that make one or two very strong points, and it’s important. Examples: Bryan Stevenson, Onora O'Neill, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- The tech demo: An onstage look at some clever new invention that the speaker was a part of creating. Examples: Tan Le, Markus Fischer, Raffaello D'Andrea
- The performance: Music, dance, magic, puppetry, or some other performance to captivate your audience. Examples: Usman Riaz + Preston Reed, Arthur Benjamin, Pilobolus
- The artist’s statement: In these talks, artists showcase their art and explain the meaning and process behind what they create. Examples: Raghava KK, Liu Bolin, Aparna Rao
- The “dazzle with wonder”: These talks are mainly about the amazement of science and discovery. Examples: Yoav Medan, Marcus Byrne, Janna Levin
- The small idea: These talks are not about one big, world-changing idea, but instead a very engaging take on an interesting topic. Examples: Mary Roach, Joe Smith, Charlie Todd
- The “issue” talk: These talks expose your audience to an issue that they may not otherwise know much about. Examples: Rodrigo Canales, Lawrence Lessig, Rose George
I’ve never spoken in front of a group before, can anyone help me?
We have coaches that will help you through the process from concept to completion and practice to presentation.
Is there a cost?
Just your time and your own expenses. We have a projected schedule with checkpoints that we follow to keep things flowing smoothly. We do not pay your expenses to get here to Eustis and stay here for the days required.
These 10 Tips Are The Heart of a Great TEDx Talk
1) 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.
2) Show us the real you. Share your passions, your dreams ... and also your fears. Be vulnerable. Speak of failure as well as success.
3) Make the complex plain. Don't try to dazzle intellectually. Don't speak in abstractions. Explain! Give examples. Tell stories. Be specific.
4) Connect with people's emotions. Make us laugh! Make us cry!
5) Don't flaunt your ego. Don't boast. It's the surest way to switch everyone off.
6) No selling from the stage! Unless we have specifically asked you to, do not talk about your company or organization. And don't even think about pitching your products or services or asking for funding from stage.
7) Feel free to comment on other speakers, to praise or to criticize. Controversy energizes! Enthusiastic endorsement is powerful!
8) If possible, don't read your talk. Notes are fine. But if the choice is between reading or rambling, then read!
9) You must end your talk on time. Doing otherwise is to steal time from the people that follow you. We won't allow it.
10) Rehearse your talk in front of a trusted friend ... for timing, for clarity, for impact.
