Ideas Search Event 2023

〉USEFUL TIPS

We are looking for 1-3 minute talks, on any topic that demonstrates original thinking and that can be conveyed by you alone. No slides, no sales pitches – just incredible ideas! We are especially keen to hear cutting edge research and ideas across STEM, architecture, design, medicine, health and beyond.

Things to think about:

• We are looking for ideas on any topic demonstrates original thinking
• The idea must be conveyed by you alone. No slides.
• No selling from the stage, no political agendas, no proselytising and only good science.

Tips on crafting your pitch from our Curatorial Team

1. What’s your idea worth spreading? Develop your idea.
2. Focus on your idea and then write a script  in support of it.
3. Ask yourself – is my idea new? Is it interesting? Is it factual and realistic? What makes me the right person to talk about this idea?
4. Consider the solution – is there one? What’s the status quo? What’s the problem with the status quo?
5. Make an outline and write a script.
6. Strong introduction, effective stories, build to a conclusion.
7. Remember, even if you are telling a personal story – where are you going with it? What’s your idea? Your story is not enough … a story must support the idea.
8. Don’t forget to include your video pitch.
9. If selected, rehearse your short talk and then rehearse some more!
10. If selected, preferably no notes.

What makes a good idea for a talk? 

Your idea can be new or surprising, or challenge a belief your audience already has. Or it can be a great basic idea with a compelling new argument behind it. An idea isn’t just a story or a list of facts. A good idea takes evidence or observations and draws a larger conclusion.
A few questions you could ask yourself are: Is my idea new? Are you telling people something you’re pretty sure they have not heard before? Is it interesting? Think about how your idea might apply to a room full of varied kinds of people. Who might be interested in it? Is it factual and realistic? If you are presenting new research, make sure your idea is backed by data and peer reviewed. If you answered “no” to any of these questions, refine your idea.