I have never been a loud person in the room.
In fact, the first time I presented the conference talk, I put on the submission button for about an hour. I was convinced that someone else had more experience, better resum é, or more impressive gut hub stars. But I submitted anyway. And my surprise is that it was accepted.
Since then, I have spoken at more than 20 conferences, including API Conf Lagos, Indebox Nigeria, multiple defects, and write documents. Some of my conversations include:
Take advantage of Open Banking API for innovation in API Conf Lagos
Improve your Javascript code for speed, Celecondf AF 2024
Making documents for African audience Write documents Prague
The table of content
I have three more talk for the second half of 2025.
On the way, I have developed a system that works. Whether you are developing your first CFP or making the purpose of big events, here I approach it and what I have learned.
1. Don’t wait until you feel ready
If you want to present a conference conversation, you have to overcome your hesitation and start where you are.
In 2022, I cooperated with a conversation Write documents Prague with my friend Bennyi Ifeanyi Iheagwara. The title of the conversation was “Making documents for African audience.
It focused on challenges such as language diversity, cultural assumptions and access to contradictory Internet.
We were not sure that any European audience would care. But we believe the message is important, so we presented it.
It was accepted.
This session gave us a platform to discuss the issues affecting millions of African developers and consumers. We practically brought it, and the feedback showed us how much he resonated.
What I learned was easy: You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be useful and timely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2l3qotnybe
2. Where to find calls for tips (CFP)
This may be clear, but many people do not know where to start. I get through most of my CFPS platforms like:
Some CFPs are hidden in newsletters or collide on event websites. If you have a conference, follow it and check regularly. Keep the deadline calendar. The more you plan, the better your requests will be.
3. Start from the story, not just a title
Prepare a compulsory story that resonates with the audience.
There are requirements for the administrators to meet. Find out what they are looking for and prepare your story around it.
For example, here are some conference submission guide letters that are expected and searching for conference organizers:
When I “take advantage of Open Banking APIS for innovation” API Conf LagosI didn’t open with the code. I started with the story of Nigeria’s Fantake Startup, which struggled with outdated bank systems. This story gave the weight of the session.
Technical material is important, but the story made it relevant.
Begin carefully by studying the Call for Proposal (CFP). Most CFP will tell you themes, skill levels and types of audiences that the event is completed. Find the phrases like “We’re looking for real -world stories,” “New sounds,” Or “Hand on technical depth.” He is a blueprint for the desire of the organizers.
Beyond that, look at previous years of talks. What kind of speaker did they feature? Were the sessions deep technical, more impressive, or compounds?
Finally, don’t be afraid to get directly to the organizers. Like a quick message, “Hey, I’m thinking about submitting something about Open Banking and Fantake Dev in West Africa – will it be a good fit?” You can give you an early feedback that leads your suggestion in the right direction.
4. The method of writing strong tips that is taken
Learn how you make your submission.
A strong suggestion does something well:
It starts with a clear, relevant issue
This explains why the title now makes a difference
This is presented in the outline of what will be covered
It has been told what participants will get
Here is an example of my “banking without banking” talk that was accepted for only a conference last May:
When you are writing this suggestion, keep 5W questions (Who, what, where, when, why) Keep the story in mind. This is a clear and effective way to communicate the purpose and value of your conversation.
1. Who is this talk for?
The conversation is for developers, tech leads, and product managers who build or find a financial technology solution. This is especially worth embedded in their applications such as paying, loaning, or account insights, such as paying financial services. It is also for everyone who is interested in the API -powered innovation in the emerging markets, which is especially focusing on financial involvement.
2. What is this talk about?
This conversation shows how open banking APIS is creating new opportunities for innovation in financial services. These include practical strategies, technical demo, and real-world case studies that explains how developers can create strong, safe and consumer-concentrated applications-even in infrastructure challenges.
3. Where is this knowledge coming from?
The conversation has been included in the experience before working with a fantasy startup in Nigeria and emerging markets. These insights are based on real projects, real companies and real challenges. With direct examples of how open banking APIS is already being used to solve meaningful problems.
4. When is this talk relevant?
Recently, in March 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) formally approved the open banking rules, which made Nigeria the first African country with a legal framework for it. Since more countries adopt similar rules, the demand for embedded finance is increasing. Developers should be ready to visit this fast -growing place.
5. Why Should People Care?
Open banking offers an unprecedented opportunity to unlock financial innovation. Also, technical, compliance and design brings complexity. Developers should understand:
What makes the framework able and limits
How to work with standard API from banks and third -party
How to manage security, compliance, and user experience in sensitive financial requests
5. Tailor your suggestion for each program
Even if I am offering a similar content, I never use the same exact summary twice. Dev Fest Aja and Google I/O Expansion Abadan have different audiences and energy.
I always restore contents to fit the event.
Show that you understand the community and who they care about. The event organizers give notice when you have taken the time to submit your submission.
6. How to get better in giving a presentation
Your first thing may be terrible. But that’s fine – with exercise and effort, you will get better.
Want to improve your delivery? Here’s a way that works for me:
Select a great conversation from the past conference – which is close to your title or style.
Download transcripts and slides if they are available.
Record yourself to the exact conversation such as it is your own.
Compare: See your version with the original. Consider what works and not – packing, tone, energy, explanation.
Share your recording with friends and ask for feedback.
This kind of deliberately copying is not copying – you are not sharing it publicly. This is training. Just as players study match footage, so do great speakers. Over time, you will prepare your rhythm, sound and presence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71qr4pmw8s8
Offering is a skill. And like any skill, it is better with exercise, feedback and repetition.
7. Keep walking after speaking
Take advantage of every conversation to enhance your influence and contacts.
Speaking at a conference is just the beginning. After each session, I usually:
Share my slides online. Can you get my Speaker deck.
Post a Rickp on LinkedIn or Twitter
Thanks to the organizers publicly
Contact the arrival participants
This helps you to pace and expand your network. After a tensile flu conversation in Indebox, I published a follow -up summary. As a result of this single post, a speech was invited to another community event.
8. Expect to be rejected – and keep submitting
Not every submission is accepted. I have been sitting on the “diagnosis” forever and never heard. Some were rejected directly. I had a point about the use of SVGS to look at the election data that I believe is deep. Still, he never made it in a lineup.
This is normal.
Rejecting is not your price decision. This does not mean that your idea is weak or your voice does not need. Conferences have limited slots, and even strong suggestions are rejected.
But here’s the truth:
If your point is rejected, accept yourself. 😊 😊
You already have a speaker – you
You already have content – your suggestion
May not have the audience you have yet – make a
Set up your stage – YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Dev.
The thing that you prepared? Present it.
Post content. Record a video. Host Twitter space. Change it into a blog post or mini course. Accept your point. And then try again.
Conclusion
Sharing your thoughts on the stage can feel threatening, but it is also one of the most beneficial ways to grow. You do not need to be the most experienced speaker. You just need to start.
So take the first step. Submit Your story can be exactly what someone in the audience needs to hear.