TEDxUGA Case Study

Project Date: August 2025 — December 2025

Overview

For the Fall Semester of my Master’s program, I took the course NMIX 6012, or New Media & TED. This class prepares students to work with presenters to curate their TED talks and take the stage in the Spring.

The course began with readings, quizzes, and various assignments teaching us all about TED guidelines, and how to make a talk truly resonate with the audience. We watched countless TED talks, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and even gave our own ‘mini’ TED talk in class.

These assignments helped prepare us for the end of the semester, when we were each paired with our own presenter to work with to develop their talk.

The Curation Process

On November 3rd, the TEDxUGA curation team and current and past speakers attended the Presenter Mixer event, where we took a deep dive into what the curation process will look like, and we were assigned our presenters. As a graduate student, I was partnered with two speakers, each with a very different Big Idea for their talk.

The curation process looked different for each of my speakers.

Alongside two of my classmates, Aalya & Lisa, I worked with Anne Byrn, a UGA graduate and food writer & author. I assumed the communication lead role, where I led our meetings and handled all presenter communication. Anne’s Big Idea was centered around recipes and the ability to learn about ourselves and others through them. Her talk focused on the historical, geographical, and emotional connections these recipes have. We worked to transform her talk from just an idea to a TED talk that would truly envoke change.

I also worked alongside my classmate Litzy with our speakerMary Rathbone, the founder of the non-profit Moms Adopting Moms. Here, I took on the role of note-taker and updating all content related to Mary’s talk & meetings. Her Big Idea was to demonstrate the improvements that could be made to the foster care system if we adopt the whole family, rather than just the children. Mary’s talk highlighted her own story working with the foster care system, and how she was able to find a way to truly change and improve the system.

Throughout the semester, I worked with both presenters to finalize their Big Idea Statements and to develop the early stages of their outline and scripts. My curation team also developed a brief bio for each speaker, explaining who they were and what idea they would be sharing.

Results

As we wrap up the Fall semester, my speakers will have their first rough draft completed and ready to finalize in the Spring. Next semester, I am excited to continue on in my journey with TEDxUGA and further develop their scripts and visuals so they can succesfully deliver their talks this March!