How do I apply to speak?

1. Watch TED talks online and observe how the pros do it. Make sure you read all our FAQs on speaking.
2. Practice your pitch
3. Send us a 3-minute video of your pitch by applying here. (Video quality not important, selling us your idea and your story is.)

1. Deadlines - You’re required to submit talk outlines, slides, and other information at specific times prior to speaking at the conference.
2. Working together - You’re expected to work alongside us to curate your talk for our audience, our venue, production value, and optimal impact.
3. Attendance - You’re expected to be present for the duration of the conference, interacting with attendees before and after your talk.
4. Rehearsals - You’re required to attend a dress rehearsal in Naperville and possibly online rehearsals with the curator.

There is none. However, we typically fill our main event speaking slots 4 months prior.You can submit ideas at any time via the speaker form and we'll review them. We are always reviewing submissions, for both the coming event and future events.

Though many ideas have their place, not all have one at TEDxNaperville. Talks with the highest chances of acceptance are those that are:

• Relevant to current events
• Data-backed, quantifiable, or scientifically-founded
• Unique, new, or add to an established body of work in a new way
• Challenge standard conceptions
• Currently being tested or with results from research
• Don't rely heavily on someone else's research or work (i.e. presenting someone else's work instead of your own)

Ideas that are either less likely or aren’t accepted:

• Exceptionally vague or generalized
• Pseudoscience
• Personal belief systems without objective research
• Purely-motivational
• Uncredentialed coaching
• Excessively-discussed or already ubiquitous
• Solely about overcoming adversity or obstacles
• “I did it, and so can you”
• Corporate, political, or religious agendas

Watch TED curator Chris Anderson's video on the secret to great public speaking and on what makes a great talk.

1. Sharp, focused content
2. Go deep, not broad
3. 3-18 minutes max
4. Interactivity is a plus
5. Include visuals or props
6. Include data or research
7. With exception, no note cards
8. No religious, corporate, or political plugs

The best way to do this is to speak with that person and have them apply themselves. Our application process requires the speaker to submit a 3-minute video