“TED is a nonprofit organisation devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment, and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages.”
Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world. And so, I decided to revive TEDxFrome. The event was on Sunday 9th October 2022 at the Merlin Theatre to celebrate local ideas worth spreading.
Lightning Talks
The process started at the beginning of the year when I hosted an International Women’s Day event upstairs at the Cornerhouse.
I invited women to share a 5-minute Lightning Talk to celebrate International Women’s Day. Men and women crammed into the room and our women speakers shared ideas about writing a book, bees, young people, dance, life lessons, and more.
Auditions
Some of these women applied to audition for our TEDx event in June. We were so thrilled to get 24 applications from men and women in and around Frome to audition their ‘idea worth spreading’ in only 3 minutes. There were tears, laughter, and questions as people from all walks of life shared their idea with the panel of 3 upstairs at the Three Swans and again at the Crown Inn on Keyford. What a mixed bunch too. It was truly inspiring.
It was so tough to make decisions, but our panel narrowed it down to 10, and we are thrilled to have a range of topics.
Theme for TEDxFrome 2022
Frome is very much about community. I wanted this to be reflected in the theme and so I chose the African concept of ‘Ubuntu’. This simply means “I am because we are”. I know it can also be translated as “I am because you are”. Either way, this theme is flexible, it encompasses what Frome is all about, and it is a positive and energetic topic. I am so pleased worked so well with all the speakers and their ideas all slotted in beautifully.
Here are our final 10 speakers for TEDxFrome 2022:
Jannine Barron is a business mentor for purpose-led business owners.
Sue Brayne is an author, speaker and podcast host.
Paula Carnell is an international bee expert.
Patrick Holland is an actor, author, and radio host.
Wafaa Powell is a Lebanese cook and belly dancing teacher at Dancing Flavours.
Caroline Sherrard is the ‘Quiet Power Coach’.
Tanya Slater is ‘The Girl who Simplified’.
Lorraine Stamp is a Positive Psychology Coach, speaker, and author.
Poppy Taylor is a Menstrual Health Advocate.
Charlie Wilson is a language teacher.
As per the TEDx licence I am only allowed 100 people in the room. Each talk was filmed and sent to TED. If they like the video and it meets their criteria (focusing purely on the idea and not on the person or the inspiration), they will put it on their website. This is such an honour and a huge achievement, and so the goal for all the speakers.
Speaker Coach
A huge thank you to Deon Newbronner, who was the speaking coach for the speakers. We had a full-day workshop at The Station complex – thank you to Super Pirates for sponsoring the room for the workshop. Deon is a dynamic coach and his focus is on story and how to bring your values and purpose to your talk. Once a speaker is clear with who they are, the rest comes much easier.
Why audition?
The reason I wanted all our speakers to audition is to give more local opportunities. Some TEDx events invite speakers, but it them ends up being only professional speakers, which is not a reflection of Frome. Some of our speakers have never spoken publicly before, so this is brand new for them. And some have done some speaking, but not anything like this before. I wanted Frome to share its people and ideas in a truly Frome way.
Feedback
The feedback we received for TEDxFrome 2022 was so heart-warming! The audience said the day was inspirational, varied, interesting, educational and really very enjoyable.
The application is in for a licence for 2023, so watch this space!
