Start Talking 2021

Have you got a STEMM idea that you want to tell the world about? Submit your idea and you could be making a video for everyone to hear about it (and did we mention there are cash prizes?). 

Following on from the success of these events in 2019 and 2020 (initiated by Dr Bita Zaferanloo), this year’s event and workshops will provide you with valuable experience using the Adobe Creative Cloud and learning communication skills in partnership with Employability and the Digital Literacies program (LTU). 

Start Talking 2021 is open to all Swinburne students as competitors or supporters.

Welcome to Start Talking 2021

Real change is about more than brilliant scientific minds (although it’s a good start). We also need leaders, deep thinkers, adventurers, inspirers, innovators, entrepreneurs, game-changers and science communicators. As global citizens, students need to be able to contribute to social change and communicate their ideas professionally. 

How the competition works

We have many brilliant students here at Swinburne (we’re looking at you), so if you have a brilliant STEMM idea, we’d love to hear it! You will receive constructive feedback for your idea, present it and then work with Adobe Digital Coaches to record it as a 4-minute video.  

Requirements for competitors

• Submit a 300-word (max) outline of your STEMM idea for your video (Example: Outline of Talking Points)
• For help with preparation of your video during Week 7 and 8 of Semester 2 2021, email Bita: bzaferanloo@swin.edu.au
• Mentoring for the video recording will be provided by Adobe's Digital Coaches, and will begin Week 9 
• Required file for submission: Create a 4-minute video of your presentation on your chosen STEMM concept with social impact
• Read the judging criteria (link to download PDF below)
• Watch the Promotional video from 2020
• Watch some previous winner videos:
• Nathan Higgins - Winner of Let's Torque 2020 (state-wide public speaking competition)
• Amy Xie - Runner-up Let's Torque 2020 (state-wide public speaking competition)

$400 Judge's Choice Prize

There are great prizes to be won, awarded in the following categories:

• $400 Judges’ Choice + your story will be published in the Swinburne Newsletter
• $100 People’s Choice
• $50 participant prize

You can also receive a campus participation certificate as part of the Emerging Leaders program

Key Dates

• Your video must be submitted by 5pm Monday 11th October
• The Start Talking 2021 live showcase event will be held on Thursday 14th Oct 4:30pm–6:30pm

Register here for the event: Start Talking 2021: Live Showcase (careerhub.com.au)

To register as a participant, please register through the same link - we have prizes for participants too!

Workshops

Workshop 1: Monday 9th Aug 4:00pm–6:00pm

Professional Networking with Confidence

Hear from a diverse panel of experts and get the latest tips on how to build your professional network. Learn how effective communication can impact  your future employment opportunities and STEMM career.

Register here: Start Talking 2021: STEMM Industry Panel and Professional Networking webinar (careerhub.com.au)

Workshop 2: Thursday 9th Sep 3:00pm–4:00pm

Storytelling Video by Adobe Rush

Learn the basics of story-telling through video and editing with Adobe Rush, brought to you by Shaping STEMM Futures team and Swinburne’s Digital Literacies hub. Whether you're creating a video presentation for the Start Talking 2021 competition or communicating to a wider audience, this workshop is for you.

Register here: Start Talking 2021: Story telling video production (careerhub.com.au)

Downloadable Resources