Review: TEDx

Having gained such accolade, as well as a vast group of supporters in recent years through broadcasted TED talks, the TEDx St Andrews event had a lot to live up to.  The day started (very early for a Saturday) with a reception, where guests were given complimentary goodie bags that contained a wide variety of exciting items; from an umbrella, to pens, chocolate truffles and Forgan’s discount cards!  After being given access to unlimited tea and coffee (very much needed), we were then ushered into the main lecture hall, which had been painstakingly decorated with hand-cut silhouettes that covered the entirety of the front of the hall.  There were some minor technical glitches which delayed the start of the talks, but this was not a particular issue for most of us, as it gave us extra time to further explore the contents of our goodie bags.

The event consisted of twelve 10-15 minute talks by a wide variety of professionals, interspersed with performances and breaks.  It was refreshing to see the program of speakers include St Andrews’ students and professors, as well as a broad range of international speakers.  Each talk related to the topic for the lecture series, “The Power of Play”. The theme was interpreted in a diverse number of ways, from teaching children mathematics through iPad games, using music to treat dementia, to the key to success in advertising.  The speakers were well-chosen; lecturing succinctly on prevalent issues, managing to keep the audience captivated as well as imparting their opinion on subjects they were passionate about.  Talks were given by big names on campus such as Ali Watson, Professor of International Relations, to Teio Meedendorp, researcher at the Van Gogh museum, and Abiodun Williams, President of the Hague Global Institute of Global Justice.

Following a lunch break spent basking in the sun with Bibi’s goodies (a winning combination), Carly Brown did a poetry performance, which blew those of us who had not seen her before away . She was lively, captivating whilst simultaneously being unique and funny.  A third year student, Oliver Harrison, gave a provocative speech on his interpretation of outdated rules on marriage and union in the 21st century.  The audience was also treated to a beat-boxing performance by Leon O’Rourke, who performed a smooth routine that perfectly encapsulated his talents.  I left the event feeling inspired, educated and fortunate to have been able to listen to such influential figures.

Apart from a few minor technical hiccups in the beginning, there was nothing bad to say about the day!  To end with a wonderful quotation from the last speaker, Abiodun Williams, speaking about creative solutions to international peacekeeping, “It is easy to be a cynic, but much harder to be a happy idealist”. Thank you for an eye-opening, informative and thoroughly enjoyable day!