Speaker Guidelines

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in presenting with the International Coaching Federation Tennessee Chapter (ICFTN). Through thoughtfully curated events, ICFTN is committed to delivering high‑quality, engaging, and ethical learning experiences that advance the coaching profession and support our members.

These Speaker Guidelines are intended to:

  • Set clear expectations for presenters

  • Support a smooth onboarding experience

  • Ensure a consistent, high‑quality member experience

These guidelines apply to all ICFTN speakers and are shared publicly on our website and as part of our speaker onboarding process.

Our Audience

ICFTN audiences include:

  • Professional coaches across specialties (life, executive, leadership, internal, business)

  • Credentialed and aspiring coaches (ACC, PCC, MCC)

  • Coaches seeking continuing education, professional development, and community

Sessions should be designed for practicing coaches and grounded in adult learning principles.

Content Expectations

Relevant & Practical

Sessions should provide actionable insights, tools, or strategies that participants can apply in their coaching practice.

Alignment with ICF Standards

Content should align with the ICF Core Competencies and uphold professional coaching standards.

Scope of Practice

Sessions must clearly distinguish coaching from mentoring, therapy, counseling, or consulting and remain within an appropriate coaching scope of practice.

Session Format & Learning Design

ICFTN prioritizes interactive, learner‑centered experiences over lecture‑only presentations.

Speakers are encouraged to incorporate:

  • Reflection questions

  • Chat engagement or facilitated dialogue

  • Polls or breakout discussions

  • Case examples or demonstrations

Virtual sessions are hosted via Zoom and may be recorded for registered participants.

Speaker Fees & Value Exchange

ICFTN operates with a limited events budget and primarily partners with speakers who are willing to present at no cost for most chapter programs.

This approach is consistent with many ICF chapters and enables ICFTN to offer accessible, high‑quality, member‑centric programming.

What Speakers Receive in Return

In lieu of a speaking fee, ICFTN provides speakers with:

  • Visibility with a targeted audience of professional coaches

  • Promotion through ICFTN communication channels (chapter website, email, and social media)

  • Alignment with the ICFTN and International Coaching Federation chapter brand

  • A brief opportunity at the end of the session (1–2 minutes) to:

    • Share contact information

    • Mention services or offerings

    • Provide a resource or invitation for continued conversation outside the event

Learning‑First Environment

To protect the integrity of the learning experience:

  • Sessions must remain educational in nature

  • Promotional sharing is limited and occurs only at the conclusion of the session

  • Hard sales, pricing pitches, or solicitation during the session are not permitted

Professional Conduct & Ethics

All speakers are expected to:

  • Adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics

  • Maintain confidentiality

  • Foster an inclusive, respectful, and psychologically safe learning environment

Logistics & Support

  • Speakers will receive a Run of Show outlining timing and flow

  • A technical facilitator will be present for setup and support

  • Speakers are asked to join the Zoom room 15–30 minutes early for a tech check

Marketing & Promotion

ICFTN will promote events through:

  • The ICFTN website

  • Member email communications and newsletters

  • Social media channels

Speakers are welcome (but not required) to promote the event within their own networks using approved links or graphics.

Questions & Contact

If you have questions at any point in the process, the ICFTN Events Team is happy to support you. We value clear communication and collaborative partnership.

Speaker Proposal

If you would like to submit a speaker proposal to our Events Team, please click here.

We appreciate your interest in contributing to the ICFTN coaching community and look forward to the possibility of working together.