TEDxBYU

I had the amazing opportunity of going to the TEDxBYU program last night. Elegant. Inspiring. Uplifting. What more can one want from a Friday night? It was a strange feeling being on campus till 10 on a Friday night, but well worth it. 

The theme was "At the Intersection". Each had their own interpretation of the theme based on their own field of expertise and idea of what it meant. I believe we are all at a major intersection in our lives. We are all planning and preparing for what we aspire to do for a career, hoping to be successful at it but also enjoy it and maintain or attain a balanced personal life. At least I am. We are at a major intersection of preparation and actual experience which will set the course for the rest our careers and have major impact. A bit daunting but extremely exciting if we take control and utilize every opportunity available to us at this fine establishment. 

Of course this course has brainwashed me and I can't just sit back and listen to amazing people impart their words of wisdom upon me anymore... I focus and nitpick the nonverbal aspects of the presentation. 

Positives: 

• Beginning and ending a speech with a similar quote or line. Gives it a great sense of closure and credibility. Helps to remember the beginning more and maybe go over other key points.
• Great slides that truly enhance the presentation. Funny pictures, running theme, description explaining what they are talking about. 
• Great eye contact. Making sure not to look at one place the whole time, or jumping around too much, or the ground. 

Negatives:

• Wearing a whole in the ground. Make movement deliberate. If not, it becomes distracting.
• Not knowing audience. Simple and effective. 
• Technology failing. Not up to the presenter, but totally distracts.

Some inspiring words that were said last night are as follow. 

"Making money is fantastic, but of far greater importance is being a principled contributarian in the social sphere."
"Stop associating creativity just with the arts. Start seeing everyone as creative; it empowers them." -Kelli Loosli
"One of the most powerful intersections in life is when we come face to face with the questions we don't know we don't know"
"The more you know, the more you owe."