Focus: Presentation skills,  public speaking skills

The Lightning Talk Challenge is a programme for young professionals to present their ideas on stage as part of the TNC Lightning Talk programme. Nominated by GÉANT project partners, participants undergo series of training to help them master presentation skills and prepare participants for an impactful presentation at the actual event, if their proposal is accepted .  Participants whose proposal gets selected by the TNC Programme Committee . In addition, participating in the challenge gives students the chance to building an international network of peers through the virtual workshops where they will learn new skills and practice their presentations together.  Participants whose proposal gets selected for the conference will be invited to TNC21.will be invited to the TNC conference*. All participants are invited to showcase their work on self-recorded video for publication through the GÉANT channels. 

What's in it for the young professionals?

Participating in the challenge gives students a lot of benefits. They will learn to  pitch their proposal perfectly in a very short amount of time and deliver a powerful presentation on their topic; the workshops offer a safe environment where students can learn and practice together and is often a place to make new friends or build a network of peers. Finally, all participants are invited to showcase the end result of their efforts by self-recorded video which may be published through the GÉANT media channels. The programme includes: 

• Practical and interactive workshops under the guidance of a professional public speaking coach for all participants
• 1:1 coaching on public speaking for finalistson public speaking for participants whose proposal is selected for TNC
• Travel package - if applicable + full conference pass to TNC20 for finalists
• Support for presentation video recordings

Requirements:

• This challenge is open to individuals who are registered on any IT & networking (related) course(s) at a university, college or or learning provider 
• All participants learning provider and must be nominated by the operating NREN/GÉANT Project Partnera GÉANT participating NREN
• The Lightning talk idea must be associated with computer networking or any other technology-related areas.
• Lightning talk proposals must include: title, participant name, educational institution, short biography, five keywords, and short introduction of the idea (max. 500 words). Abstract must be marked [Topic title + FTP20]
• Participants commit themselves to the full programme and therefore must have access to a computer with a webcam to join the webinar
• Selected participants will present at TNC20
• High English language proficiency is required
All participants are invited to share their experiences on social media.
• Participants commit themselves to attend the full training programme ( 3 virtual workshops i March and April)  
• Finalists commit to present their proposal at TNC
• Excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written

What's required of the NREN?  

If you are a NREN this programme may give you ( extended) exposure amongst your institutional partners and users and may help to strengthen relations. To participate we expect the NREN to:

• be a member of GÉANT 4.3 project
• be willing to recruit, select and administer registration n the GÉANT registration system  of max 3 participants 
• have a point of contact available to support, encourage or promote participants locally 

What is the role of GLAD?

GÉANT Learning and Development team (GLAD) is passionate about building, diversifying and strengthening capabilities of European NREN community. We also believe 

In course of FTP Lightning talk Challenge, GLAD is committed to organise workshops and deliver public speaking skills to participants for which GLAD will be in direct contact with you and your participant.   

How to Apply (NRENs)

Step 1 Register your candidate online until 28 February 2020 with a brief description of the candidate's topic.

Step 2 All accepted candidates will become participants of the Future Talent Programme and will receive training. Your participant takes part in the e-workshops in March and April. Dates and Programme will be confirmed to you and your participant by email.

Step 3 Participants submit their proposal to TNC Programme Committee by 09 11 March 20202021, midnight CET. 

Step 4 Participants will be notified by the TNC Programme Committee  of the acceptance or rejection of the proposal

Step 5 Selected candidates take further training and take centre stage at TNC20TNC21