Let's create a more just, productive, and joyful world - one idea at a time!
Photo Credit: Sandra Ivleva
Call for Speakers
You have an idea.
We have a stage.
TEDxOttawa is looking for speakers for our 2026 event, Continuum.
This year, we are looking for people with ideas worth sharing — not just polished speakers or people with impressive titles. We want to hear from thinkers, builders, artists, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people with a perspective that could help others see the world differently.
Maybe it is something you have been talking about for years. Maybe it started as a question you could not let go of. Maybe it comes from your work, research, lived experience, community, or creativity.
If it can spark reflection, connection, or action, we want to hear it.
Continuum explores how progress happens over time.
It is about the bridge between what was and what could be — the ideas, experiences, communities, and innovations that evolve, connect, and build on what came before.
About the theme: Continuum
TEDxOttawa is not looking for perfection. We are looking for perspective.
You do not need a large platform, a speaking resume, or a fully polished talk. What matters is that you have one clear idea worth spreading—and the willingness to shape it with support from our team.
What to expect:
Selected speakers will work with the TEDxOttawa team through a speaker development process. This may include coaching, draft reviews, rehearsals, and support to help shape your idea into a compelling TEDx talk.
You bring the idea. We help you shape it for the stage.
Do you have any questions or need accommodations? Reach out to: speakers@tedxmechanicsville.com
Key Dates
Speaker Applications - OPEN
May 22nd
Speaker Applications - CLOSED
June 26th, 23:59 ET
Selected Speakers Notified
July 31st
Note: See below rubric for evaluation criteria.
Applicants are asked to submit a formal application to the TEDxOttawa team, including a brief overview of their proposed talk idea and a two-minute video introducing themselves and their concept.
Video quality will not be evaluated. We are interested in the content, clarity, and delivery of your idea — not production value.
All applications will be reviewed by the organizing team and evaluated using the following rubric.
Note: 1 represents the lowest evaluation column.
Criteria
Is the idea clear
and original?
The idea is highly original, clearly defined, and offers a fresh perspective not commonly heard.5
The idea is strong and mostly original, with some overlap with existing conversations.4
The idea is understandable but somewhat familiar or needs sharper framing.3
The idea is broad, unclear, or relies heavily on common concepts.2
The idea is vague, commonly discussed, or lacks a clear point of view.1
Is it connected to
the theme of Continuum?
Theme is central to the talk and explored in a creative, meaningful way.5
Strong and clear connection to theme.4
Connection to theme is present but general or underdeveloped.3
Weak or unclear connection to theme.2
No meaningful connection to the theme.1
Compelling for a broad audience
Highly engaging and relevant to a wide range of people.5
Interesting and accessible to many, though some may connect more than others.4
Moderately engaging, with appeal to a specific audience.3
Limited appeal or requires niche knowledge to understand.2
Lacks audience engagement or relevance.1
Is the talk
grounded and credible?
Strongly supported by lived experience, research, evidence, expertise, or real-world insight.5
Well-supported and credible, with room to strengthen examples or evidence.4
Some support is present, but the idea needs more grounding.3
Limited support; claims may feel underdeveloped or unproven.2
Unsupported, unrealistic, or overly speculative.1
Does the speaker bring a valuable perspective and clear takeaway?
Speaker brings a distinct, authentic perspective. Audience leaves w/ powerful insight, question, or shift in thinking.5
Speaker offers a strong perspective and a clear audience takeaway.4
Speaker has a relevant perspective, but the takeaway needs more focus.3
Speaker perspective is underdeveloped or the takeaway is vague.2
Speaker perspective is unclear, generic, or lacks a meaningful takeaway.1
Additionally, there will be a consideration on if the idea brings a perspective that feels relevant to Ottawa, its people, its communities, or its future.