Pretty cool, eh?

Before spring break, we explored the idea of burning questions--now we want to get them down and start exploring--will our beliefs about our topics change with new facts and new opinions from other people? What do we believe should be done about about the concerns that we have? We'll have some people in to talk with us about our topics soon...In the meantime, we'll be looking for some facts and opinions in newspapers, books, magazines and on the internet.

Assignment:
Today, we'll write down our burning questions. (page 1)
By next Monday:
We'll fill in page 2 and turn it in.

http://www.ted.com/pages/creating_a_tedx_program

The basic TED structure: To capture the spirit of a TED conference, we recommend you follow TED's own program structure -- it's evolved over 25 years of TED!

• Format: Powerful, short talks focused on a single topic or idea. No talks exceed 18 minutes. Shorter talks are interspersed throughout. No keynote speeches -- all speakers are equal. No panel discussions. No breakout sessions. No Q&As. No podiums or lecterns.
• Schedule: We typically program 90-minute sessions, with four full-length speakers and a few short presentations. A full day would have four sessions, broken up by "conversation breaks" and lunch, and concluding with a reception/dinner. Be sure to allow generous breaks between sessions (your audience needs time to think about what they've seen), and try not to over-program! (It's stressful for you and for your audience.) No session should last longer than 105 minutes. Pad each session with an extra 15 minutes, to account for transitions, introductions and other small delays that inevitably occur. Keep a steady rhythm.

Creating a program lineup Within each session, you'll want your program to cover a mix of topics that relate loosely to each other, allowing the audience to make connections and draw their own conclusions.

• Think big: Encourage your speakers to connect their work and thinking to big topics -- the universe, the future, global ideas ...
• Start strong: You'll want to open people's minds right from the start -- so be sure your event has a very strong opening.
• Mix it up: Break up your program with thrilling demonstrations and moving performances. Throw in a few shorter talks or counterpoints.
• End with emotion: Save the most emotionally gripping speakers and TEDTalks for the end. This is when your attendees are most open to being moved. It will leave them with a feeling that will stay with them -- perhaps motivate them into action.

Hooray! Ms.Kyles class has been approved for a TEDxyouth event! Here's the letter from the director--we'll be talking about the process--

Congratulations! I've approved your TEDx event and granted your TEDx license -- you are officially a TEDx organizer! The TED team and I are thrilled to have you aboard the TEDx program.

This license permits you to organize one (1) TEDx event within the next 12 months. After your event, you'll have the remainder of the 12 months to apply to renew your license for the name you've selected, after which the name will be made available for use by other organizers.

Your event:TEDxYouth@IsaacDickson

Your event date: Thursday, June 2, 2011

Your event type: Youth

Your next steps:

1. Confirm that the information on your event profile is correct. The following items should be updated immediately, and whenever they change:

  - Event date

  - Ticket price

  - Related websites/links

  - Your webcast URL (if you will provide a webcast)

(Update your event profile by signing in to your TED.com member profile first, clicking "My TEDx Events" at the top of the page, and clicking the "Edit event details" link.)

2. Register domain names and social media handles based on your event's name (Note: They must match your event's name exactly)

3. Read through the rules

4. Read our guide to designing an event

5. Write about your event on the TEDx blog. Consider appointing an official “Storyteller” to your team, and have them share stories before, during and after your event. (You will need to be added as a contributor to the TEDx blog in order to post. You will receive a separate email shortly with instructions on how to contribute)

Important notes:

  - Before you contact any potential sponsors, review our sponsorship rules, and fill out this form

  - Keep me updated as your event takes shape. If you decide to cancel your event and withdraw your license, notify me as soon as possible -- and be sure to cancel any domain names you've registered.

  - If you want to change your event date, first review other TEDx events happening in your city, and make sure there is no conflict. If there might be a conflict, reach out to the other organizer and work it out.

 

After your event:

Be aware that you're required to do a few things after your event is over:

  - Complete your event profile by adding highlights from your event

  - Fill out the official organizer feedback form

  - Email your guests the official attendee questionnaire

  - Upload your photos to Flickr and tag them "TEDx"

  - Post videos of your live speakers to the TEDx YouTube Channel

  - If speakers presented in a language other than English, translate at least one of your talks using dotSUB

Community resources:

- The TEDx Community Wiki (you'll be invited shortly)

- The TEDx Licensees Google Group (apply for membership using a Google account)

- The TEDx Facebook Page (please “Like” this page)

- The TEDx Twitter account (please follow this account)

I'm excited to have you with us on this amazing journey. To help you along, I've attached three documents:

  - TEDx Toolkit: TED's own event-design tips, gleaned from 25 years of organizing the TED conference

  - TEDx Branding Guidelines: How to create your event's TEDx logo

  - TEDx Sponsorship Deck: A sample PowerPoint presentation to use when approaching potential sponsors

The TED team and I look forward to watching your TEDx event take shape!

Sincerely,

Lara Stein

Director, TEDx