By Los Alamos Makers

“Ignite Talks” described as “a fast-paced geek event” is making its Los Alamos debut June 16 at Los Alamos Makers on Orange Street.

Ignite talks first started in Seattle, Wash., 12 years ago and is now a global phenomenon with events around the world from New York City to Paris, France … and now Los Alamos.

Most of us have heard of TED talks. Unlike TED talks, Ignite talks have a very specific format and are designed to be very inclusive: Ignite’s official mission is “Everyone Speaks”.

The only requirement is that ‘speakers must build their presentations with 20 slides, each of which is shown for 15 seconds, giving each speaker five minutes”.

This particular format makes it fun for the audience as well as for the speakers. Anyone from public speaking novices to seasoned toastmasters gets a fair shot.

The “Ignite Talks” team believes that “public speaking builds confidence in individuals and that events like Ignite build community. Our goal is to make it possible for anyone, anywhere, to learn to present their ideas and their stories.”

The community building and sharing of ideas concepts resonate with Los Alamos Makers’ mission.

Los Alamos Makers has been granted the license to organize Ignite events. The first event is 5 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at Los Alamos Makers, 3540 Orange St., Suite LV1.

The community is invited to join the fun and just enjoy the talks or sign up to give a talk. The event is free and catered, so mark your calendars.

Los Alamos, it is now your time to shine!

Anyone willing to take on the Ignite challenge is encouraged to express interest and contact Los Alamos Makers using the form at LosAlamosMakers.org/Ignite.

An optional practice/training session will be available for speakers the week before the event. Anyone enthusiastic about anything qualifies to give a talk.

Forget the “15 minutes of fame”! You only have five minutes, so “Enlighten Us … But Make It Quick!”

To simply attend the event without giving a talk, RSVP here at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-los-alamos-tickets-45908772374.