The expert speeches at WikiStage events are called WikiTalks. They are at the very heart of WikiStage.
A speaker enjoys the audience’s uninterrupted attention for 3, 6 or 9 minutes to address one specific question.
The vision of WikiStage is to create a free and open library of knowledge. Where Wikipedia has articles, WikiStage has WikiTalks. Our video platform for learning and debate can only exist because people like you are mobilising to add their piece to this global puzzle of free and open knowledge. We challenge you to share your insights with us and the world - with a short WikiTalk.
Why speak at WikiStage?
We invite you to give a talk to contribute to the knowledge of the world and add your piece to a global debate about the most important and most interesting questions that we can collectively think of.
The video of your talk may help to stimulate others to build on your ideas. A great talk has the potential to inspire people many years after it has been recorded. In fact, if WikiStage had existed earlier, we would have loved to invite Einstein, Mozart or Picasso for a talk or a performance on stage to capture a part of their legacy.
WikiStage is the place where you can share your passion with both a local and a global audience. It is a chance for you to break prejudices and rectify misconceptions. By sharing your particular insights, you may well gain or foster a reputation as an expert in your field. WikiTalks are watched in many different countries in the world.
WikiStage events are splendid opportunities to meet fascinating people - become part of the community.
The three golden rules of a WikiTalk:
1. Address a question
- Chose a question as the title for your WikiTalk
Speakers at WikiStage are encouraged to go deep instead of broad. Use a short time on stage to focus on one clear message or lesson. To help you focus your thoughts and to help the users to quickly find the right talk, we ask you to formulate one specific question for your talk.
Nobody expects you to exhaustively answer a complex question in 3 minutes. The idea of a WikiTalk is rather to give an introduction and make your audience curious to find out more.
2. The length is 3, 6 or 9 minutes
- Keep it short. Rehearse the timing
There are three possible lengths for a WikiTalk: either 3, 6 or 9 minutes. We recommend shorter talks because shorter videos are more likely to reach a larger audience and shorter talks create a more dynamic atmosphere at an event.
Whether you are invited to speak for 3 or 6 or 9 minutes depends on your event organiser. Our recommended time for the WikiStage Studio is 3 minutes. For a WikiTalk at a WikiStage Session or WikiStage Conference, we recommend the 6 or 9 minute format.
3. No promotions in a WikiTalk
- A WikiTalk is not a project or sales pitch
All WikiTalks are completely free of any kind of promotion. The purpose of your WikiTalk is to add a piece of knowledge to the video library. We do not allow any speaker to promote a company, product, book, project, religion, political party or dogmatic worldview.
For this reason, we ask you to not use your company logo or any other kind of promotional references in your presentation. Don't try to sell us something - share your curiosity and passion!
You want to share your ideas with the world and become part of WikiStage global network?
Apply to become a speaker HERE.
We can't wait to hear your WikiTalk!
Many high-profile conferences and events lack gender balance, despite there often being no shortage of qualified women. The absence of women at public professional forums is a problem. Because speakers are usually male, audiences are given a narrow perspective. The lack of diversity limits the quality of the conversation and potential outcomes.
As an event organizer, you are well aware of the role that speakers can play in the success of your event. Event organizers often tell us that they find it more difficult to find women speakers. Nevertheless, we think it is worth the extra effort to look for great female speakers. A good mix and balance is a very enriching ingredient in every WikiStage conference.
WikiStage strongly encourages women speakers to speak at our events. For example, the #ShareHerVoice Conference was an inspiring and eye-opening experience aiming to support future gender equality champions. Amongst the speakers we welcomed on stage, there were a lot of amazing women. You can read more about this empowering event Empow’Her: Share Her Voice.
Sometimes it feels like many people (women and men) fear public speaking more than anything else. Whether this is true or not, it is a hard reality that a lot of people are afraid of, or at least uncomfortable with, public speaking. If you have something valuable to say, then you have all the talent and "gift" required to speak. Now, what you need is skills, practice, and feedback. Coaching can also be very valuable. See why is it important to say "yes" to a WikiTalk request and how one of our speakers overcome podium panic: The Power of Saying YES to a WikiStage Talk Request.
What is important in WikiStage is that WikiTalks are not exclusively provided by one small group of celebrities or just a handful of teachers. We want to encourage you to get involved to bring your perspective on stage; in your community and in your language. WikiStage empowers you and your community to take part in a global conversation. Add your piece of knowledge to our collaborative video library for learning.
Apply to become a WikiStage speaker HERE.
