The countdown is on for the 2019 TEDxBozeman event on April 13th (did you get your tickets yet?). While you may be excited about the 17 new speakers who will grace the stage, you might also be reflecting back on some of the incredibly moving talks from years past.
One of last year’s most moving speakers was Bridget Wilkinson - who spoke earnestly about her personal struggle with chronic loneliness and the effect it can have on people in our community.
We are so excited that Bridget will be back on the TEDxBozeman stage this year as our MC - one of the most wonderful master of ceremonies we could think of to introduce you to this year’s new batch of speakers.
Bridget Wilkinson, who made her TEDxBozeman debut in 2018, will be this year’s MC at TEDxBozeman: Untapped.
TEDxBozeman Creates a Profound Change
We recently caught up with Bridget in between meetings for her day job as the Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Community Foundation to hear what she learned from speaking last year and how important the TEDxBozeman family has become to her.
“Speaking at TEDxBozeman is the most personally and professionally challenging thing I’ve ever done,” she says. “I learned that I’m braver and more capable than I thought.”
If you haven’t seen Bridget's talk, take a moment to view it now. It takes a lot of bravery and a strong sense of community for many speakers to stand in front of an audience and share their stories.
“While it does take a lot of courage to take the stage, the community is filled with a bunch of people who are kind and caring,” she explains.
For Bridget, the everlasting bonds with her TEDxBozeman community were formed during the practice sessions with the other speakers and coaches. Working through the presentations and emotions with this group gave her the strength and confidence to share her personal story in front of the audience.
“I loved all of our sessions when we were rehearsing in front of our peers,” she says. “There were some hilarious and also moving moments - we were together, talking through some of our hardest moments that we were about to share with the world.”
The Other Side of the Mic
We couldn’t think of a better person to host this year’s TEDxBozeman: Untapped than Bridget, and we were honored when she accepted.
When asked about the opportunity to host, Bridget says, “I feel so humbled and fortunate to be asked to MC this year. It’s a way to give back to an organization that gave so much to me. It’s such a gift.”
As a seasoned veteran, she’s looking forward to reliving the special moments of her talk, and being there to support this year’s participants.
“I’m looking forward to watching the speakers come off the stage,” she says. “I can’t wait to be with them in that moment and seeing how proud they are of themselves.
What to Expect This Year
The audience is a huge part of TEDxBozeman, and Bridget has a few tips for anyone attending this year - whether it be their first event or a part of a tradition.
“When you come to TEDxBozeman, listen deep enough that you can be changed by what you hear,” she urges attendees. “Expect to be surprised and expect to be challenged in your views. That’s why you show up.”
“When you come to TEDxBozeman, listen deep enough that you can be changed by what you hear,” she urges attendees. “Expect to be surprised and expect to be challenged in your views. That’s why you show up.”
This year’s speakers were chosen from our strongest pool of applicants yet, and they are working hard to refine and perfect their talks. This is an event not to be missed. Tickets are going fast, so make sure to reserve your seat! We even have a few scholarship tickets so apply while you can.
We can’t wait to see you and Bridget there on April 13th!