We are looking for some great speakers to participate in TEDxUniversityofNevada! Our theme is creating community conversations, so we are looking for speakers from across the spectrum of where we live, work, recreate, and learn – business leaders, community members, students, and educators.
So what makes a good TEDxUniversityofNevada speaker? First and foremost, a good TEDx speaker is someone with an idea worth spreading. For an idea to be worth spreading, it has to be valuable to others, not just to the speaker. This is one reason why TED strictly forbids speakers from selling from the stage. Good TEDx speakers tell us something so important or so valuable that we look for opportunities to share what we just heard with others that might benefit from the message.
You don’t have to be a professional speaker to be a good TEDx speaker. The most popular TEDx talk so far was given by sixth grader Thomas Suarez, an I-phone application developer. Good TEDx speakers tell an interesting story from personal experience that connects with their audience on an emotional level. A strong narrative and polished style are essential to a great talk, but you don’t have to be a either professional or experienced speaker to accomplish that. All the practice in the world can’t sell a weak idea, but practice goes a long way toward making a great story perfect for TEDx.
Finally, great TEDx speakers show up to participate with the audience. Anyone that just wants to show up and give his or her 18-minute talk and then leave should not bother to even apply. At TEDxUniversityofNevada, we are looking for people that are not just willing to share their idea in a brief talk, but to share themselves with the rest of the participants for the entire day.
Do you have what it takes to be a great TEDxUniversityofNevada speaker, or do you know someone that does (e.g. your colleague, your boss, your spouse, your child, your teacher, your friend)? Our deadline for speaker proposals is October 19, 2012, so please be thinking about how you or someone you know could help TEDxUniversityofNevada be a success for our community.
September 16, 2012 - 7:27 pm
Mark P. Alavosius, Ph.D. is an entertaining and extremely informative speaker.
Behavior Analysis Program
Psychology Department
University of Nevada, Reno
Chairman, Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies: “Counter Cultural Paths to Sustainability” was part of a symposium entitled “Behavior Analysis for a Sustainable World” chaired by Dr. Mark Alavosius
Dr. Alavosius can speak to what it takes to get businesses to initiate sustainable practices.
Besides being an expert on a very relevant and timely topic, show casing his knowledge is a great way for UNR to show off a bit of what we have here!
September 16, 2012 - 7:59 pm
Thanks, Vicki. Can you contact him and make him aware of this? Sounds like he would be very good. Bret
September 28, 2012 - 1:41 pm
I am a teacher in Reno and I have presented at 2 TEDx events – in Denver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olUn4Si22Sg
and New York
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r43w6yKFSiM&feature=relmfu
and I want to encourage those of you with an “idea worth spreading” to take the plunge and share your story with not only the local community, but with the world. Preparing and sharing a TEDx talk is an experience you’ll cherish.
Brian
September 28, 2012 - 2:18 pm
Welcome, Brian! Wow, I have to apologize because I was not aware of your talks. That’s excellent! Do you have a third one in you? Do you have an exceptional student or colleague that you can encourage to participate? We would appreciate your word of mouth marketing.
We should have coffee….
Thanks!
Bret