Start Talking Competition 2022

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 from 2019 to 2021 (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 2022 is open to all Swinburne students as competitors or supporters.

Welcome to Start Talking 2022

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 2022, email Bita: bzaferanloo@swinburne.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)
• Three champions from Swinburne in the state-wide public speaking competition 2021:
• Joshua Nicholls from Swinburne - Winner of Let's Torque 2021 (state-wide public speaking competition)
• Sanjeeban Chattopadhyay from Swinburne - Runner-up Let's Torque 2021 (state-wide public speaking competition)
• Georgina Aiuto from Swinburne – People’s Choice Let’s Torque 2021 (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 recognition by Emerging Leaders program.

Key Dates

• Your video must be submitted by 5pm Monday 10th October
• The Start Talking 2022 live showcase event will be held on Thursday 13th Oct 4:30pm–6:00pm

Workshops

Workshop 1: Professional Networking with Confidence

Monday 8th August, 4:30pm-6:00pm

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.