Yep. The only money that changes hands is the nominal annual fee for speakers to be part of the bureau. The groups who use Free Speakers DFW will never pay either the speakers or the bureau (or anyone else…).

The speakers’ membership fees are very low, so no one is getting rich running this bureau. It’s a community service project and a labor of love. Truly. Learn more about Free Speakers’ history.

Most likely yes. The time and distance each speaker is willing to travel depends on the speaker. Some travel anywhere, others have limits. You’ll find this out when you talk together. Please be understanding if the speaker is unable to accept your request due to time of travel. Some speakers are also willing to meet virtually.

Everyone’s different, but essentially the speakers are good people who give back. Others give talks, because they like to speak in public, teach, or be better known in the community.

Yes, we have a new speaker review team that reads each application carefully. We’re always on the lookout for topics or speakers who don’t fit the model of community service or are just too fringe with their background or topics.

We do not endorse or suggest specific speakers or topics. Speakers fill out a detailed bio, specifically so you can decide if the speaker would be a good fit for your group.

Products for sale are not appropriate. Authors may bring books to the talk, but any sales pitch needs to be extremely low key. The point of Free Speakers is to be of service and provide knowledge and education, not sales for a product or service.

We don’t promote any specific political or religious views. That said, we don’t discriminate against them either. Since the bureau began in 1996, we can’t remember a politician wanting to campaign via Free Speakers. Some speakers have religious overtones in their topic or speaker profile, but that is listed in the title or profile so groups understand before they make a request.

Browse for a topic that will be of interest to your group. Click on the orange “Request This Free Speech” button. Fill out the form and click submit. Your contact information is now sent to the speaker and they will contact you in the next few days.

Yes, you may request as many speakers / topics as you wish. The first time you click the “Request This Free Speech” button, you will be asked to fill out a request form. Some program chair persons request ten topics at a time in order to fill out an entire six months of programs. In fact, it’s rare for someone to request just one topic. After all, there are so many amazing topics from which to choose.

FreeSpeakers.org will remember your contact info with a cookie, so your second, third, etc. request form will be automatically filled out.

Absolutely not. After the request is made, you and the speaker have a personal talk or email exchange to decide if you’re right for each other. Either party can then decline or accept.

We’re always looking for great speakers in Chicago. To become a speaker with Free Speakers Chicago, fill out our application form on the Become a Speaker page. There is a nominal annual fee for speakers to be part of the bureau. All speakers present for free. There is no charge, honorarium, or mileage costs for groups.

Absolutely. We never share your information anywhere else. Promise. For more information please read our Privacy Policy.