Some people make it on their first try. Others apply five, six, ten--- dozens of times before they finally land the red dot. For those who’ve made it further, refined your idea, or feel closer than ever — what’s one piece of advice you’d give your former self? And for the first-timers, what’s something that’s surprised you most about the process so far? It’s often a numbers game — every “not yet” is shaping your next “yes.”

What’s ahead: - Final Submission Deadline: Your revised three-minute video is due October 15. We'll reach out with the link you'll use to upload and the submission criteria. - Optional Virtual Q&A Sessions 9/30 and 10/2 both at 6P CST RSVP HERE: https://www.mobilize.us/hia/event/852304/ - Optional Bootcamp: The Virtual Speaker Bootcamp (Oct 2–9) is $197 and gives you daily lessons, evening talks from past TEDx speakers, and three live coaching options (Oct 4, 7, and 9). Seats are limited. Whether TEDxThirdWard or another event, you'll be better prepared to submit. https://www.skool.com/from-dream-to-speaker-stage-4093/classroom Important Note: Participation in the Bootcamp or Q&A sessions is optional and does not influence the speaker selection process. Finalists will be chosen by the selection team based solely on submitted videos. Stay connected: This digital community includes semifinalists, alumni, and volunteers. Use it to ask questions, swap ideas, and support each other as you work on your submissions beyond TEDxThirdWard!

Before we move to the next phase, here’s something I want everyone in the TEDxThirdWard community to know, especially those who have been part of our first-ever Speaker Bootcamp. I’m proud of what’s being built here. This community has shown up with curiosity, courage, and commitment to big ideas. The Bootcamp was just one part of that journey, and it’s already producing results that make me excited about what’s ahead. For perspective, more than 600 people applied to speak at TEDxThirdWard, and 150 made it to the semifinal round. That means these Bootcamp members are already part of the top 25% of applicants. Out of that group, a select few will take the stage for the main event on January 10, 2026. Since becoming a TEDx curator, I can’t tell you how many people I meet who say they have always wanted to give a TED or TEDx talk. They pull me aside and tell me about the idea they have been sitting on. But most of them have never actually applied, let alone made it this far. This milestone is huge. It shows what is possible when you take your big idea seriously, no matter where you are in the process. And here’s the bigger picture. TEDx is not a one-time opportunity. There will be three additional TEDxThirdWard events in 2026, our Salons in April, July, and October, each smaller in size but equally polished, produced, and shared with the world. Also remember that TEDx is a global community. There are independently organized events in cities and countries all over the world. If your goal is to stand on that red dot, think beyond your city. Apply broadly, stay persistent, and keep refining your idea. Sometimes the opportunity that is meant for you is waiting in a place you have not looked yet. A great TED talk is not just a big idea. It is a clear, well-crafted message that connects with people and stays with them long after they have heard it. One of the best ways to sharpen your message is to talk about it. Share your idea with people around you. Not necessarily to take their critique, but because there is something powerful about explaining what you care about to someone you know. It helps you hear it differently and clarify it for yourself.

Yesterday at the Big Idea Mixer, Dr. @Emily Jamea gifted me a copy of her book Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion. It got me thinking… how many of our TEDxThirdWard volunteers, semifinalists, alumni, and supporters are authors too? If you’ve written a book, I’d love for you to drop your link below so we can celebrate your work and share it with the community. Let’s keep lifting each other up and showing just how many big ideas are coming out of this circle.

In 3 sentences or less, tell us the big idea you want to share on stage. Keep it short, clear, and powerful. After you post, read a few others and drop a quick comment: - What works well? - What could be sharper? This is your space to practice and support each other.