Title:TEDxGeorgetown conference brings connection, impact

In Gaston Hall last April, Georgetown explored four seasons in one day—from spring themes of new ideas through a winter of overcoming obstacles—at the 2023 TEDxGeorgetown event entitled “Seasons of Change.”

The first TED Talk, in 1984, was meant to celebrate the convergence of “technology, entertainment, and design” with a series of lectures given by anyone, from a CEO to a college student, who has “ideas worth spreading.” It gave rise to independently organized events all over the world.

TEDxGeorgetown, launched in 2011, is supported by John J. DeGioia and the Office of the President.

Clayton Kincade (SFS’25), now a conference co-chair, has been involved for two years, and loves watching the speakers present. “When I heard about TEDxGeorgetown, I knew I needed to be a part of it. I just felt called to do it.”

This year, Anna Kutbay (L’25) gave a speech focusing on “What my late-in-life autism diagnosis taught me about change.”

“There are so many people who are affected by autism,” Kutbay says. “I had several students and parents come up to me after my presentation to tell me that I gave them a different perspective on their lives.”

Though Kutbay has a background in public speaking and debate, she found the community atmosphere made it easier for participants who were newer to speech-giving. “The TEDxGeorgetown team was really dedicated to making sure that every speaker had a successful talk, especially when conveying personal messages.”

She encourages interested participants to apply, even if they don’t have much public speaking experience or think their message will live up to the TEDx standard.

“A lot of the TED Talks and great public speeches that you see look very ordinary on paper, but the delivery really creates the magic,” says Kutbay. “Doubting yourself could eliminate the chance for people to hear a new perspective.”