Find Your Voice
Your first tech talk: 5 minutes, real audience, zero judgment.
First Time Speakers is a free online event for people who've always wanted to give a tech talk but haven't taken the stage yet. Pick something you've learned, built, or explored, and share it in a lightning talk with a warm, supportive crowd. You'll get feedback, encouragement, and the confidence to apply to bigger stages.
1st Edition · 2025
See what FTS looks like in action
Heard at FTS
From the people who were there, 1st edition
Judges & Mentors
“For three years I avoided any demos because I used to stutter. It took a lot of time and courage to say 'if it happens, it happens.' Giving your first demo to unknown people is genuinely scary, and that's exactly why a platform like First Time Speakers needs to exist.”
Suraj
Judge / Mentor
~10 yrs · Senior Engineer, Microsoft
“It's important that we start somewhere. You're not expected to be there in a big leap. You're supposed to go step by step. It's only when you sit and actually do it that you understand the nuances. That's where you progress faster in the long run.”
Anusha
Judge / Mentor
~10 yrs · Senior AI Engineer, Nvidia
Speakers & Audience
Did you speak or attend the 1st edition?
Your thoughts could be the nudge someone needs to sign up.
Important dates
Everything between applying and standing up to speak, 2nd edition.
Early application
Final application deadline
Shortlists announced
Prep month
One mock talk plus a group dry run
D-day
You take the stage
Apply to Speak
No experience needed. Just fill out the form and we'll take it from there.