TEDxThirdWard Speaker Selection Update Hey! I wanted to take a minute to share where we are in the selection process and what I’m seeing so far... And, I wanted to try out the "Live" feature here on the Skool platform. We’ve had an incredible mix of ideas this year. People from everywhere with stories that genuinely make you pause and think. I’m proud of every single person who took the step to apply. As I’ve gone through the talks, I keep seeing three main groups emerge: Group 1: You’re ready for the stage. Your idea is clear, unique, and well-communicated. There’s nothing else quite like it. Group 2: You’re almost there — your idea is strong, but maybe others are touching similar topics, or you’re one “aha” away from full clarity. With a bit more refining and practice, you’re going to shine. Group 3: You’re still in the early part of the journey. That’s not a bad thing — it just means there’s more space to grow. Some folks here need more structure, clarity, or help bringing the message to life. You’ve already done the hardest part: starting. There will be 25 speakers total, divided into five groups throughout the day — 9 AM, 10:30, 1, 2:30, and 4. Once we finalize the list, we’ll start sending confirmations and callbacks. We’re also planning Media Day on 11/15 in Houston so finalists can capture rollouts and promo content for their announcements the following week. And as for this Skool community — it’s here to stay. Feel free to invite others. We’re building out this free community in a more intentional way. If you check the calendar, you’ll see we’re hosting a virtual Speaker Lounge every Thursday at 7 PM CT — a relaxed space to connect, share ideas, and talk about what it really takes to get stage-ready. Some weeks we’ll break down great TEDx talks, other weeks we’ll do live feedback sessions or invite past speakers to share how they shaped their big idea. We’re also developing a paid coaching circle for those who want weekly accountability and deeper skill-building. And even if you don’t make it to the January stage, there’s another opportunity — TEDxThirdWard Salon is coming in April 2026 — so stay engaged, keep refining, and use this community to get sharper every week.

Several of our TEDxThirdWard semifinalists are published authors — and not just self-published, we’re talking major releases, including a USA Today bestseller. I grabbed six of their books and did a quick rundown of each. These are stories that live beyond the stage and keep our theme Dream. Dare. Do. alive in print. @Laryssa Creswell @LaTasha S. @Steve Spiro @Emily Jamea @Obrian Kerr @Nicole Wilhelm

Thanks again to everyone who joined us for tonight’s Q&A. For those who couldn’t make it, HERE'S THE LINK TO THE RECORDING. (Reminder: Thursday’s call will follow the exact same agenda, so no need to attend both.) 📌 Important Resources for Semifinalists: - 2026 Semi-Finalist Information Packet (read carefully — everything you need is here):👉 Information Packet - Video Submission Form (due by October 15 at 11:59 PM CST):👉 Submit Your Video ⚡ Extra Support Opportunity: There are still a few spots left in the Virtual Speaker Bootcamp. This one-week intensive will help you sharpen your idea, get live coaching, and receive feedback from alumni and TEDx veterans. It’s $197 and designed to give you the best possible preparation for this TEDx or any other speaker submission. 👉 Sign up for the Bootcamp We’re excited to see your big ideas take shape. Keep going, you’re closer to the stage than you think! -Durrel and the rest of the TEDxThirdWard Team

In this powerful talk, TEDxThirdWard speaker Gina L. Carroll uncovers why you must write your life stories and how to actually get them down — started and finished. Her talk has garnered the most views from our first cohort who took the stage in March of this year: 115,853 views as of today (Sept 30, 2025). She shares deep insights, inspiring stories, and surprising facts about why your voice is needed in the storytelling universe. Gina, an author, editor, and writing coach, believes every story has an audience and is an important thread in the fabric of history. Whether you’re just beginning or trying to finish a manuscript, her message is about urgency, focus, and motivation to finally tell your story. Poll Question: If you hadn't yet, what’s the biggest challenge keeping you from writing your own story?

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.