Speaker Application Form

Welcome to the TEDxTheHague Speaker Application

Thank you for your interest in speaking at TEDxTheHague. We’re excited that you’re considering sharing your idea with our community.

TEDxTheHague brings together an international, curious, and socially engaged audience, all connected by a desire to better understand the world and their role in shaping it.

This year’s theme, Beyond Uncertainty, explores how individuals and societies move beyond uncertainty to shape what comes next.

You do not need prior public speaking or TED/TEDx experience to apply. We are primarily interested in the strength, clarity, and relevance of your idea.

Please complete all sections of this form as thoughtfully as possible. This helps our curation team fairly review each submission.

Note: While TEDx events are independently organized, they are held under an official TED license and adhere to the same focus on high-quality, idea-centered talks

Name
Are you open to working with a speaking coach and attending required rehearsals?

Speaker Application
FAQ

Who can apply to speak at TEDxTheHague?

Anyone with an idea worth spreading can apply. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience. You do not need to be a professional speaker, academic, or public figure.

No. Many TEDx speakers are first-time speakers. We’re primarily interested in the strength, originality, and clarity of your idea, not your speaking résumé.

We’re looking for talks that:

  1. Present a clear idea or insight
  2. Are grounded in experience, research, or thoughtful observation
  3. Invite the audience to see the world differently
  4. Connect meaningfully to this year’s theme: Beyond Uncertainty

We’re less interested in personal storytelling alone and more interested in what the audience can learn, question, or take away from your story.

In line with TEDx guidelines, talks must be:

  1. Non-commercial (no product, service, or self-promotion)
  2. Non-political (no party-political advocacy or campaigning)
  3. Non-religious (no promotion of specific belief systems)

If your idea sits near these boundaries, focus on the underlying insight, not advocacy. See the guidelines here: Tedx Guidelines

TEDx events are independently organized under an official TED license. While separate from the main TED conferences, TEDx events follow the same core principles: carefully curated, idea-driven talks designed to inspire and inform.

The short video helps us understand:

  1. How you explain your idea
  2. Your perspective and motivation
  3. The core message of your talk It does not need to be professionally recorded. A simple, clear video recorded on your phone or laptop is perfectly fine.

Our curation team reviews all applications based on:

  1. Clarity and originality of the idea
  2. Relevance to the event theme
  3. Potential impact on the audience
  4. Diversity of perspectives across the full program Because we receive many strong applications, not all good ideas can be selected for the main stage

Because we receive many strong applications, not all good ideas can be selected for the main stage.

Absolutely. Many TEDx speakers are selected after applying more than once. Each year’s theme and program needs are different, and we strongly encourage you to apply again.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to:

  1. A short video call
  2. Answer follow-up questions
  3. Or both This helps us better understand your idea and how it could take shape on the TEDx stage.

Selected speakers receive:

  1. Guidance from the TEDxTheHague curation team
  2. Access to speaking coaching
  3. Structured rehearsals
  4. Ongoing feedback as the talk develops

You won’t be doing this alone.

TEDx events are non-profit and volunteer-run. Speakers are not paid, but they gain:

  1. A professionally produced talk
  2. Visibility within an international community
  3. The experience of being part of the TEDx network

No. TEDx events are independently organised, and speakers are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs.

  1. During the selection phase: Participate in one or more interviews with the organising team
  2. If selected:
    • Attend several in-person coaching and rehearsal sessions
    • Collaborate with our team to refine and develop your talk in line with TEDx standards
    • Be available for production briefings (e.g., stage, timing, recording)
  3. Live event:
    • Attend the full event day
    • Participate in rehearsals and technical run-through
    • Deliver your talk live on stage

In some cases, we may invite speakers to participate in a TEDxTheHague Salon — a smaller, more intimate event focused on discussion and experimentation. These events are a great way to share ideas and stay involved in the community.