APPLY FOR 2010

“This would be an amazing conference, and I think with the wish idea, it could actually also be very motivating.”

“I’m all for this. It would be nice to have students take the stage to wow the crowd for a change. No offence to some of the great speakers you’re bringing out (and others that UBC has), but this would be such a great opportunity for the student community where they can hear their our own.”

So now that you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to be a speaker* at TEDx Terry talks 2010. It’s pretty simple; we’re not going to ask for much – just a video and a short application. Note that the application deadline has not been set, but will likely be sometime in September 2010.

Send them to us “SUBJECT HEADING: Tt application” at terrytalks@gmail.com

We don’t want something fancy, just a simple home-made video of you. Why? So we can gauge your speaking style; and yes, you’ll be judged on this (hints?).

Details: speak for about 60 seconds on your proposed topic, and remember, we’re looking for students who are engaging, interesting and entertaining (this doesn’t mean you have to crack jokes constantly). Our front page currently houses our student speakers, so if you want to get a sense of what seems to work as far as public engagement is concerned, do check them out – they all rock.

Once you’re happy with your video, put it up on YouTube (or any other video hosting site for that matter) and put the link into your application. Feel free to give us a shout if you need help with this – as well, there will be the odd time here and there, when we’ll have a booth out with a video camera ready for action.

In the past, we’ve noticed that we had quite a few queries on the video part of the application- i.e. having difficulty getting access to a camera, a little intimidated with the whole video thing, etc. Just remember that the video is primarily requested to give us a sense that you’re reasonably capable of speaking. As well, the video quality achieved using something like a webcam or the camera on your laptop is plenty good. As an example, here is one of our team showing you the sort of thing we’re looking for. Note that if you’d prefer to keep your video application private, you may do so by adjusting your own privacy settings on the video server.

It’s really easy – trust us. We just want you send us the information as requested below, or if it’s easier, to download the form, fill it out and send it back to us. Feel free to attach additional materials (CV, essays, media, etc) if you wish.

While not everyone will be allowed to make a wish at Terry talks, every applicant can specify one on their application form. Don’t feel pressured to do so if you don’t want to – we just want to give everyone the opportunity to think of one. Right – so what sort of wishes are we looking for? Something that can be accomplished, or even started, before Terry talks 2010 would be ideal.

It has to be something that can be done by the UBC community – unfortunately, we don’t have the likes of Bono here, and so getting rid of all poverty would not be the best wish to make. Your wish could be as simple as decreasing the number of plastic bottles used on campus, or something much more grandiose like uniting the various faculties and communities at UBC through film (yes – like Jehane Noujaim’s Pangea Day wish at TED2007).

We’re not going to give you more examples, because we want you to think of them yourself. Don’t feel restricted by these guidelines though; if you honestly think UBC can achieve a huge goal in a short period of time – go for it! As clichéd as it sounds, let your imagination soar…

(Once again, this is what we’ll need)

Name: (Last, First)

Contact Information: (Email, Phone)

Student Information: (Faculty, Department, Degree Program & Specialization, Year@UBC, Student Number)

Your Talk: (Proposed Title, Description – 300 words max)

Make a Wish: (Please see the “wish process” description for guidelines – 150 words max)

Your Video: URL or attached.

(Alternatively, download the application form pdf and send back)

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*Length of talk will be exactly 18 minutes or less. Speakers given the opportunity to make a wish will be given a little extra time. Venue will be the Rm101 of the Life Science Centre – this is a fully media capable lecture hall with a maximum capacity of 350 seats. Talks will be filmed and archived online.