3 ms·
> if you ARE the only person capable of giving the talk then is there is a diversity issue. Can you take an honest look at the diversity of your industry and pe
by nitwit005 7y ago
> if you ARE the only person capable of giving the talk then is there is a diversity issue. Can you take an honest look at the diversity of your industry and perhaps mentor new ones – especially those from under represented groups – to be able to speak on such topics?
This seems a bit bizarre to me. Sure, they're the only one who knows right now, but they are giving a talk at a conference, which is supposed to have the purpose of educating a large number of people.
- monksy 7y agoI got the feeling the author was saying: "Step out of the way for what ever group we feel is marginalized today" It's such a regressive statement. If you know what you're talking about and are excited about it. YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON. The people who are at the conference and speaking are people who stepped up to do it. You don't just get this granted pass to be up there.
- gav 7y agoSome of the best talks I've seen are along the lines of "nobody cares about X but me, and here's why _you_ should care about it" or "I'm the only person who has attempted Y (and lived/succeeded) and here's what happened". If a lot of people could give the talk, it wouldn't be that interesting. Giving talks is often the first step at getting the message out.
- drak0n1c 7y agoMy spouse plans conferences. Her event planning team is mostly women. Most of the speakers at their conferences are men - the main reason why is because many women candidates refuse the opportunity. An attendee who loudly complained about diversity became more understanding after being invited to help recruit speakers. The ego shouldn't be checked - it should be encouraged if you want more people to want to be conference speakers.