Semi-finalists — here’s something special for you. In this episode of the TEDxThirdWard podcast, Dr. Amber Gunner reflects on her own TEDx experience: the preparation, the challenges, and the insights she gained along the way. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that the TEDx stage is more than just a platform — it’s a process that transforms both the speaker and the audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLvCGXG42e8 As you’re preparing your own submissions, take a listen and think about what lessons from her journey might apply to yours. What part of the TEDx process do you think will stretch you the most?

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.

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!

Hey hey, I was wondering if I missed it in an email somewhere. How many semifinalists are there? I feel like I have read everything line by line, multiple times, and I don't think I saw that... Or the instructions for part two but I figured that's by design and we'd find out soon. 😁

I’m Durrel K. Douglas, Curator of TEDxThirdWard, and I’m thrilled you’re here. This community is for dreamers, doers, and everyday storytellers who believe ideas can spark change. Let’s kick things off — introduce yourself in the comments: - Your name - Where you’re from - What bold idea or passion keeps you up at night I'll go first in the comments.