Lauren Brooks, a student at the University of Cape Town, applied to be a TEDxYouth@CapeTown speaker because she wanted to gain speaking experience. She also seized the opportunity to share her idea with a diverse audience on what she terms “a unique platform”.
We asked Lauren what inspires her, to which she responded: “Different people inspire me in different areas of my life, whether it’s what they are doing with their lives, the good things they share with the world, the hope that they have for the future, or the way in which they help others.”
She adds: “When I see a need, I am inspired to help and find solutions for challenges. I am also inspired by certain elements of design and the natural environment.”
Lauren’s journey to the TEDx stage:
What do you hope to gain from the experience of being a TEDx speaker?
I hope to gain advice on speaking and body language from the coaches - which I plan to use for this talk and in future; also to gain the ability to share ideas concisely and effectively.
I also hope to develop greater insight into this idea through sharing it with many others and build on it further.
The talk is only a few weeks away, how are you feeling about it?
I am excited to share this idea, however, concerned about how anxious I may be on the day in front of the audience. I hope I am able to capture the audience’s attention; deliver this idea authentically and in a way, they can understand and remember.
If you had a superpower what would it be?
To read people's minds and communicate telepathically.
If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
An eagle. For the freedom, they experience as well as their association with a strong vision, independence, high flight and victory.
If you could time travel, where would you go?
The Cape in 1652.
Which fictional character do you wish you could meet?
Hermione Granger.
If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be?
John Legend because he sings amazingly, and so that I can be friends with him and his wife.
