Become a Speaker
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Deadline to apply is Sunday, May 18, 2025
Do you have what it takes to speak at TEDxOcala? We’re looking for unique voices from the Ocala community and beyond with insights from a wide range of disciplines that reflect our theme “PIVOT” Our goal is to bring together bright minds to give talks that are idea-focused, and on a wide range of subjects, to foster learning, inspiration, and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter.
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PIVOT
Your Big Idea must be relevant to the theme and should:
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explore a tension in your field or discipline
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represent a bold, thought-provoking idea
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reflect a relevant and timely concept
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provide a call to action that arouses a sense of care and urgency from the audience
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be data-driven or grounded in relevant theory
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present a message that changes the perception of the audience
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Speaker Application
Ocala community members and beyond with big ideas are welcome to apply!
Deadline to apply is Sunday, May 18, 2025
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TEDxTalks are known for their impact and high quality – and it takes hours of preparation on your part to make them successful! Because of that, all speakers need to agree to the following guidelines. (The talks only look easy to do!).
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Develop their talk with an outline and/or script and slides by Sunday, August 3, 2025
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Work with a TEDxOcala speaker preparation representative to develop their talk and slides.
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Attend the TEDxOcala Speaker Workshop on a date TBD.
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Be available for speaker rehearsal on a date TBD.
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Submit all completed slides to TEDxOcala Production Team per their required parameters at least 3 weeks in advance of the event (Friday, October 3, 2025)..
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Attend the 4 hour rehearsal (MANDATORY) on Friday, November 7th, and the entire TEDxOcala event on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Any exceptions must be approved in advance. At a minimum, speakers must be available to the audience during the break after their talk.
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Speakers understand that travel and lodging costs will be the responsibility of the speaker if they are not local.
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Speakers understand that they are only allowed one complimentary ticket for the live audience for a guest of their choice. Any other guests will be able to view the recordings of your Talk online after the event date.
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Agree to the TEDxOcala Speaker Release Form.
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THE TED COMMANDMENTS
​These 10 tips are the heart of a great TEDTalk.
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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.
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Show us the real you. Share your passions, your dreams ... and also your fears. Be vulnerable. Speak of failure as well as success.
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Make the complex plain. Don't try to dazzle intellectually. Don't speak in abstractions. Explain! Give examples. Tell stories. Be specific.
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Connect with people's emotions. Make us laugh! Make us cry!
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Don't flaunt your ego. Don't boast. It's the surest way to switch everyone off.
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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.
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Feel free to comment on other speakers, to praise or to criticize. Controversy energizes! Enthusiastic endorsement is powerful!
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If possible, don't read your talk. Notes are fine. But if the choice is between reading or rambling, then read!
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You must end your talk on time. Doing otherwise is to steal time from the people that follow you. We won't allow it.
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Rehearse your talk in front of a trusted friend ... for timing, for clarity, for impact.
