TEDx Portland 2024

They TELL more than TALK. Captivated, I thoroughly enjoyed the most inspiring presentation of IDEAS. WORTH. SPREADING. one can capture. 12 speakers delivered perspective achieved through professional and personal experiences in a way that would bring most butterflies the size of pterodactyls.

Entering stage right, each speaker sauntered in with 3,000 of Portland's intellectual community hanging on every word, illuminating the minds in the seats of Keller Auditorium. Preaching on elements spanning from societal influence to the personal value of a woman's vibrator, the speakers left the audience laughing, crying, and informed. Utterly impressed, each ticketholder walked away talking. Organized by David Rae and countless volunteers, it was a masterpiece of public performance, and gave me a gateway for continued growth and understanding.

Having watched countless speeches from my laptop named 'DELLilah,' being at an event that provided speakers with a story, TEDx brought the importance of enlightened education in our world. Since 1984, such spectacles, for the sake of community enhancement, have informed and cast light into shadows of darkness, only to bring together a common goal, "to organize the most educational and inspiring day of the year."

Pioneering the 'Bark No Bite' Public Speaking Club at the University of Washington, I constructed and developed a template as a lasting legacy for my peers. Inspired by my experience in Toastmasters, for BNBPSC:

"The purpose of this club is to develop the art of public speaking in a comfortable, supportive environment where each member of our community will have an opportunity to grow presentation skills through education, practice and feedback."

With this mission, we brought together fellow Huskies to become better speakers, students, and leaders. Ted Talks was the foundation for the mountain we were climbing. Apart with leading meetings, Mad Minutes, and unique opportunities to deliver impromptu... for lack of a better word... performances, I presented other topics including:

• How to give the perfect post-game interview

• The history and practical use of Chalk

• Factors of Healthy vs Junk Food

• Public Speaking Anxiety

• Analysis of The State of the Union speech

Asked if I would give a Ted Talk... and I immediately said of course! Would YOU???

Happy May the 4th be with you 😁

There's a driving force in each of us, and I find it hard to explain, but few have the courage to get up and talk about it. I think it comes from life. Everyone has their own convictions, but together we need to find our calling, and be the change to make it flourish.