The theme of the TEDx talks being held in Maldon this August is ‘Uncomfortable Conversations’ – showcasing talks that prompt conversations that threaten to unnerve and to unite us.
To build stronger, deeper relationships with our friends, families and communities, we need to do more, hear more, talk more and have conversations that may hurt us to help us – conversations that stretch our thinking, shift our balance and strengthen our purpose.
TEDxMaldon organiser Paul Kooperman told the Express the theme had evolved from the Goldfields Gothic Festival, which would be held on the same weekend.
“TEDxMaldon brings a great mix of people to the town, but it also gives local people a chance to talk to a broader audience,” Paul said.
“There will be some incredible locals presenting, including Nancy Whittaker from Maldon with her talk, ‘Sometimes, it’s nice to be nasty’, and local community health nurse Bronwyn Grieve will be talking about puberty and sex education.
“Local comedian Patti Fawcett will talk about cakes and the fear of not existing and Zoe Dattner from Chewton will give a talk titled ‘The Dance of Dissonance: saving the world with constructive conflict when we can’t agree on anything’.”
Zoe is an experienced business leader, culture strategy consultant and coach, who has a passion for collaboration and a talent for engaging others.
With a focus on self-awareness and courage, she believes in addressing challenging conversations head on, ensuring everyone understands and contributes to purposeful problem solving.
“In homes all around the world, families and friends huddle around tables, open fires and virtual gathering spaces asking each other this one, probing question: ‘Anyway, what’s good on Netflix at the moment?'” Zoe said.
“In an effort to avoid the perilous waters of talking about politics, religion, the environment, sex, the most important conversations of our time are being swapped out for the safer topics of what true crime podcast we’re currently binging and what sleeping aids we’re on.
“We are at a pivotal point in the history of our species. When we avoid difficult or uncomfortable conversations, we perpetuate models and mindsets that led us to this point and deprive us of the opportunity to create and innovate towards a future we can be proud of. “Because we are afraid of conflict, of upsetting someone, of being shut down, of being disagreed with,” she said.
The program available at www.tedxmaldon.com/tedxmaldonaug2024 includes 18 speakers who will talk about a diverse range of topics including; artificial intelligence, gender equality, the Holocaust, humanitarian work in Gaza and in a TEDx, one of the speakers will give their talk in the nude!
Kerryx, an Australian alternative model, dancer and performer based in Melbourne, will discuss the nuts and bolts of what it’s like to model naked, the tips and tricks of not only holding a pose, but holding oneself while being the only naked person in a room full of clothed people.
“Public nudity can be a delicate and difficult conversation for many, but confronting this taboo can give birth to a wonderful journey of self discovery, empowerment, and discovering the joy of playing an active part in the creation of beauty, playing muse and becoming art,” Kerryx said.
