Archive My TEDx

Wallowing in the Warm Glow - My TEDx at Jiangnan Univerity
originally posted June 26, 2011

Chinese Word of the Day: 讲演
(jiǎng yǎn) v/n. speech; lecture

I'm now a TEDster. Or at least a TEDxster,

Picture: TEDx Jiangnan University, just like the main event.

The organizers of TEDx Jiangnan University did a great job of putting the show together.

Picture: Chris Anderson introduced the show, but not in person. TEDx Jiangnan University. Wuxi, China
A thrill to have the show introduced by Chris Anderson, even if he wasn't there in person.

Picture: The audience at TEDx Jiangnan University. Wuxi, China. A full house.

We had a sold out crowd, and aside from some very stress inducing technical problems, my talk went over very well.

Picture: My TEDx talk. I'm just getting warmed up, after sining my theme song. Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China

I'm not really happy with my talk. It was too scattered. I tried to say too much in too little time. Changing the world, having fun, what China has given me, making bull whips, language discoveries, and our new language learning program. Too much for a twenty minute talk.

Picture: My TEDx talk. Blowing up the cows at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China

Picture: My TEDx talk at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China

Picture: My TEDx talk at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China stressing the need for bicycle helmets.

Picture: My TEDx talk at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China. Introducing the vocabulary learning game.
-Ruth Anderson photos

But I sure enjoyed the instant audience feedback. What a treat. What a great audience. I feel so supported and appreciated by these young people.

Picture: instant audience feedback at TEDx Jiangnan University. Wuxi, China

Actually, that's an understatement. What a wonderful audience. I'm not worthy.

Picture: instant audience feedback at TEDx Jiangnan University. Wuxi, China

Picture: instant audience feedback at TEDx Jiangnan University. Wuxi, China
-Ruth Anderson photos

But I don't want to give the impression that TEDx Jiangnan University was all about me. They had a great lineup of interesting speakers. Vicki, in the picture below, introduced her animation company and showed their promotional video about Wuxi. A very interesting award winning design student gave a great talk, and we heard from a student who had spent a semester at sea aboard a cruise ship. All in all, a great lineup and a great show.

Picture: Vicki introduces us to Angel Animation, her company and its product. TEDx Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China

During the break, the organizers asked us to perform a couple of songs. I always have a problem with the technical stuff with this kind of performance. It's really hard to perform with no stage monitors and a human microphone stand. But this is the world's most forgiving audience. So we just had fun.

Picture: David and Ruth perform during the break at TEDx Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China

After the TEDx show, the organizers and speakers all went out for the traditional Chinese feast. A great end to a great day.

Picture: TEDx Jiangnan University organizers and speakers go out for the typical Chinese feast after the show. Wuxi, China
-Ruth Anderson photo

Picture: TEDx Jiangnan University organizers and speakers go out for the typical Chinese feast after the show. Wuxi, China

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