Do you have a story to show or tell – artfully? TEDxURI is looking for you

Nancy Forster-Hold
URI Business Professor Nancy Forster-Hold speaks at a TEDxURI event in 2018. (URI Photo by Nora Lewis)

KINGSTON, R.I. – Aug. 20, 2020 – We all have a story to tell, a way to add to the conversation or change its direction, whether it be with our voices, our hands or our bodies. The University of Rhode Island is proud to once again partner with TEDxURI and share ideas worth spreading.

If you have one to show, tell, or perform, TEDxURI is looking for you to speak at this fall’s event. This year’s theme is “Artful Storytelling.” Share your story, any story, but bring it to life in a creative, artful way. Spoken presentations are the norm for TEDx but performances in dance, music, theater, performance art, visual art, etc. will also be considered.

It’s simple to apply to be a speaker. Submit a video audition – three minutes or less in length – sharing your story and fill out an application form by Sept. 17 at 11:59 p.m. Within the form, you’ll find tips on making a video along with other helpful information. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube and the link included in your application.

Auditions are open to the URI community and general public. Everyone who auditions will receive a decision by Oct. 1. TEDx presentations will be prerecorded on Nov. 7 on the URI campus. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, TEDxURI 2020 will be a free, virtual event on Nov. 18.

If you are selected, your full TEDx talk will be between five and seven minutes in length, and should maintain a balance between content and presentation. And take note, you will have to remain on a six-foot, circular rug while you give your presentation.

For more information, contact Gavin DiFranco at gavin_difranco@my.uri.edu.

To view previous TEDxURI talks, click here.

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxURI, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxURI event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.