If you’re anything like me, then you’ve been sitting with that Call for Speakers form open in a tab for at least a day. You go back to it from time to time and think “I’ll leave that open so I remember to submit a talk”. But with the deadline fast approaching – April 19th is closer than you think – you might need a little help getting past some blockers.
Here are some of the reasons we’ve heard lately about why a talk hasn’t been submitted.
“What if you reject the talk I send in?”
It’s true that submitting a talk opens you up to the possibility of rejection. However, to trot out a bit of sports talk, you miss 100% of the shots you never take. Think of it as a way to figure out how to make your talk even better rather than an indication that your talk is all horrible.
“I don’t have anything I could talk about.”
Sure you do. Not all the talks at WordCamps are strictly instructional. Most conferences, and WordCamps especially have a mix of many presentation types. Instructional, inspirational, test cases, and panel discussions. Submit what you have and see the diversity thrive!
“What if people ask questions that I don’t know the answers to?”
First, you’d be surprised by the amount of information you have in your brain. Second, so what if they do? The only way for us to learn and grow is to become exposed to things we didn’t know before. I’d like to direct you to this fabulous Sesame Street video about “The Power of Yet”
But the bottom line is this…
WordCamps are filled with some of the most awesome speakers, yes, but they also have some of the most awesome attendees. People with all levels of experience and learning attend them to meet like-minded folks, continue their own education, or embark on their new journey to loving WordPress.
And I ask you this. If you don’t do it, then who will?
(Written by Josepha Haden in 2015)