My TEDx BisallaRd Experience: What should a TEDx event be like?
Sitting in a hall listening to TEDx speakers sharing their ideas and reshaping the narrative is my idea of a Saturday well spent. I love TEDx talks. The first TEDx event I attended held at my university. I braved the cold room (they wouldn’t turn the A/C off) and the hunger (brunch was a light meal of tea and small chops) amazed by how there were people who thought differently and were able to make small changes because of that.
The next year, I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at the next TEDx event. But I was unable to attend because I was away in the Enugu NYSC orientation camp.
That is why when I saw the flier for TEDx BisallaRd, I felt like I had struck gold. While I argued with my friend about her view that TEDx talks were no different from inspirational talks, I got a free ticket to attend the event. This was due to the kindness of the Enugu Literary Society’s Founder, Mr. Ken Ike, who also supposed to speak at the event.
TEDx BisallaRd was to take place at the Bon Hotel Sunshine. In a quaint conference hall standing by the side of the hotel on the Presidential road. The ceiling of the hall has a mural of white imitation clouds against a blue sky. The theme was Lost? Redirect. Find. I found it strange and intriguing and this was even more motivation to attend.
I and my friend, Miss Glory Amah, arrived at the venue a few minutes to 9. Worried we were late, we met a queue outside the hall and silence inside the building. Registration was still ongoing by the time the event was supposed to have started. African time, the age-old problem that has plagued gatherings in Nigeria had struck again. The event eventually started by past 11, almost an hour and a half after the participants were seated. I had strolled out for a meal at a nearby restaurant (A sad mistake. It was a tasteless meal) and the event still not started.
On the stage, stood a 3 dimensional TEDx logo. The podium stood on a small red rug which round in shape. The hall was well lit, I had expected a dark room with the focus on the stage. However, I put aside my personal bias as each TEDx event has its own feel. Empty seats filled up slowly with humans. I stared at the stage for a long time willing the event to start. The speakers were present so it was evident that the delay was from the organizers.
The event began with a speech from the curator craving the indulgence of the speakers (not us the lowly guests) for wasting their time. He then began to talk about the state of the nation (which made a little sense because it was Independence Day but began to sound like a lament which was uncalled for). Afterward, a TEDx talk about working with Nigerians and giving them opportunities played on the projector.
I did not find the content of the video particularly relevant to us, as Nigerians. In my opinion, it seemed it was played just because it was to fulfill a condition required at TEDx events ( A video of another TED/TEDx talk must be shared during a TEDx event). The talk was given by an American investor and in it, he talked about the effectiveness of reducing the poverty of people in developing countries by creating jobs for them than donating to aid. There is no argument that is not a good idea but what relevance was it to the audience?
A lot of motivational speeches, just a few TEDx talks.
The first speaker was the Zonal Director of Radio, Radio Nigeria Southeast Mr. Ken Ike Okere. The founding member of the Abuja Literary Society and Enugu Literary Society began with a poem that switched between Igbo and English. I was enthralled by the tale of the youth journeying with an ancestral spirit across the land, in-between physical and spirit realms. His talk then proceeded to the importance of knowing oneself and I believe that it can be judged to be one of the most articulate talks given that day. He explained in clear terms that the act of redirection must begin with the individuals.
In a talk about the importance of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-awareness, the founder of Olive Tree, Miss Chineyere Okoro talked about the importance of the three concepts, relating them to hair care. At some points during her speech, it seemed she struggled with explaining her message and not mixing up the three concepts. One message was clear, we are incapable of giving love if we do not know how to love ourselves.
Ozioma Ani, a young politician talked about his journey through Nigeria’s political space while keeping his principles intact. His talk challenged youth to build the nation. The talk would be best described as patriotic as that Saturday was Independence Day.
Not all talks were delivered in a clear manner, Chinwe Ozokwo seemed unprepared and unsure of what to do. The woman behind the Native Pot brand tried to give a talk about how returning to traditional meals and recipes could revolutionize health in Nigeria but could not get the point across. This was the inspiration behind her business. With a few hours of practice and a few videos of TED and TEDx talks, her speech would have been better. It made me wonder if she was nervous or if the organizing team did not vet her speech and make her practice beforehand.
The CEO, Sound House had a compelling back story and his talk encouraged us to grow through challenges.
Jika Attoh, a man of parables and the founder of Cosmos FM talked about the return to simple basic values such as politeness.
The lunch break took place in the hall. Pieces of red velvet cakes were passed through the audience alongside drinks and other pastries. There was a play which I did not watch because I had gone out and met a friend. Immersed in a long conversation, I returned after it was over.
The speech of the CEO of the Tenece Group, Mr. Kingsley Eze was well organized and articulate. His slides corresponded with his points as he artfully broke down the idea he had to present to us. He talked about starting the Tenece Group and his dream to make it normal for young men to become rich and be engaged in a legitimate business. Unfortunately, his talk was interrupted twice by power outages, which could have been prevented if a generating set was used to generate electricity throughout the event.
Kalu Ikeagwu, the skilled actor gave a TEDx talk akin to a sermon. I feel that he did not understand the concept of what he was to do. His speech could not be saved by his voice nor the tale of how he strived through life to achieve excellence. I sunk into my chair wondering what went wrong.
Mrs. Uju Nwachukwu, an OAP at Kiss Fm, Abuja gave a talk I found worth remarking on. She spoke with a force I found enthralling and her message was targeted at young women (I am naturally inclined to be biased towards her talk). She emphasized on never limiting oneself.
The last speaker was Mr. Freke Umoh. He got to the stage and sang in a wonderful baritone voice, after which he gave his speech which felt like it was geared for an audience that wanted to hear a motivational speech.
I was opportune to hear and see Nwadioranma Amarachi Atama perform. Her singing pierced through the room. Swathed in bright yellow, green and red, her chants were in Igbo and she moved around the room grabbing our attention. The event came to an end at around past six.
I cannot say that there were no highlights to this day. Some speeches did make an impact on my life, some other I can barely recollect. I met a famous actor and took a picture of him (albeit grudgingly) and I met a few people that I became close to.
What is the TEDx Experience?
Every TEDx event is organized to give a TED-like feel. In its unique flavor, yes. But there are certain things one comes to expect from certain brands and events. I cannot say TEDx BisallaRd felt TED-like.
The event started late which I attribute to a peculiar attitude Nigerians have towards time. Be that as it may, a delay for more than an hour seems to be pushing the limits of the excuses we give ourselves for this behavior.
The speakers are very important to making or breaking any TEDx event. They are who people came to listen to. From the little I know, it is expected that speakers send in copies of their speeches beforehand to the organizers. They also have to understand what a TEDx talk is and what giving one entails before standing on the red rug. There is a thin line between a TEDx talk and a motivational speech. Beneath that line is a crevice where your message will disappear. Unable to strike a chord in the hearts of your audience.
The TEDx experience means different things to different people but for me, it is the feeling I get when I hear stories and ideas that make me see life in a new light. Whether it is delivered with dry wit like Inside the life of a master procrastinator (Tim Urban) or the problem with absolute certainty (Hadiza Elrufai) these talks make me think in a new way. Beyond problems and into a reality that lets me invent and create a better brighter future. It is the gathering of minds that have ideas truly worth sharing.
More TEDx events are cropping up, I will attend the ones I can and hope that events like TEDx Bisalla are learned from and not replicated. Mistakes are made and provide a chance to improve upon current practices. So that people like my friend will not attend a TEDx talk for the first time and be disappointed.
Have you attended a TEDx event before? What was your experience? Please remember to share, like and clap.
