As someone who submits (and reviews) countless conference proposals each year, I often meet talented professionals who hesitate to take that first step. Writing and submitting a talk proposal can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. In this post, I’ll share practical, experience-based tips to help you increase your chances of being accepted to speak at a conference. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, these insights will help you polish your proposal, stand out from the crowd, and confidently share your story with the community.
Talks in Pairs of Two
If you fear speaking alone, consider co-presenting with a colleague. Submitting and delivering a talk together reduces pressure and often creates a more dynamic and engaging session. Many conferences encourage joint presentations—it’s a great way to start!
Don't Fear Not Knowing Everything
No one expects you to know everything. What matters most is your personal insight—your unique angle and story. Conferences value authenticity, not perfection. Share your experience, your lessons learned, and your perspective. That’s what resonates.
Pick a Topic You Are Excited About
Choose a topic that truly excites you. Your enthusiasm is contagious—it can transform a good talk into a great one. When you’re genuinely passionate about your subject, the audience feels it too.
What Organizers Are Looking For
Before submitting, take time to understand the conference’s focus. Read the CFP (Call for Papers) guidelines carefully. Many conferences publish specific topic areas, themes, or even videos explaining their expectations. If unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the organizers—they’ll appreciate your professionalism.
Submit More Than One Proposal
Increase your chances of acceptance by submitting multiple proposals. Many experienced speakers send two or three, each exploring a different angle or topic. The more options you give organizers, the better your odds.
Follow The CFP Guidelines
Conference guidelines exist for a reason. Read them thoroughly and follow every instruction, especially regarding format, length, and focus. If something isn’t clear, ask. It shows attention to detail and respect for the process.
Aim for Advance or Intermediate Level
Avoid proposals targeted solely at beginners. Most conferences prefer talks designed for intermediate or advanced audiences. These attract more attendees and are seen as providing deeper professional value.
Be Clear about Attendee Takeaway
Focus on what the audience will gain. Instead of explaining what you’ll talk about, highlight what they’ll learn and how it will help them. Clear takeaways make your proposal stronger and more appealing.
Get a Second Opinion
Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. Share your draft proposal with someone who has conference experience. A quick review can make the difference between an average and an outstanding submission.
Compelling and Clear Title
Create a title that’s both catchy and informative. The committee should immediately understand your talk’s topic and value. Avoid vague or overly creative titles that hide the main idea.
Abstract Should Tell a Story
Think of your abstract as a short story. Describe the challenge, the journey, and the insight your audience will gain. Two or three well-written paragraphs are perfect. A clear narrative helps reviewers and future attendees connect with your proposal.
Align Your Proposal with Conference Theme
Customize your submission for each conference. Don’t send a generic proposal. Tailor it to the event’s domain—whether it’s data science, software engineering, AI, or DevOps.
Short Recording for The Commitee
Include a brief video (even 1–2 minutes) introducing yourself and your proposal. Let your enthusiasm and communication skills shine through. It’s a great way to stand out and show confidence.
Define Your Audience
Be explicit about who the talk targets—beginners, intermediate developers, or advanced professionals. Clear audience targeting helps organizers match your session to the right track.
Clarify The Context
State clearly which domain your talk belongs to (e.g., backend development, data science, cloud computing, or QA). Reviewers need to understand where your session fits within the conference tracks.
Emphasize Practical Aspects
Even when discussing advanced topics, include practical takeaways and examples. Audiences love talks that connect theory with real-world application.
Each year, I organize four international online conferences – XtremeJ , XtremeJS , XtremePython , and XtremeAI – and we’re always looking for passionate speakers. If you’d like to submit a proposal, follow these tips carefully. Remember: a poorly polished submission (with unclear grammar or missing details) can create a negative impression. Use tools like Grammarly, proofread your text, and show the same professionalism in your proposal as you would on stage.
