BGU Student Explores How the ‘Everyday Actions’ can make the ultimate difference

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) student Owen Lewis delivered a TedxYouth talk on how to "find your voice for social change" at the recent TEDxBrayfordPool.

Having gone through two months of coaching with the TedxBrayfordPool team, Owen presented his talk alongside other local young people all focusing on the independent, local or global issues facing our world today that are often easily ignored.

Owen’s talk explored the idea that social change can only be achieved by the "every day" person trying their best to do something.

Using examples from his time volunteering in Uganda to show the hidden tragedies facing parts of our world, Owen highlighted what everyday people can do to use their voice for social change.

Whether your skills are in IT, maths, art, music or you feel you have no skills at all - if you can use your voice then someone will listen.

Owen, currently the Campaigns Officer at Bishop Grosseteste University’s Students’ Union (BGSU), got involved in the TedxBrayfordPool programme having been inspired by his predecessor in his current role, Lewis Smith, who has previously given Tedx talks.

In order to present his talk, Owen had to go through two months of coaching with the event’s organisation team. This involved everything from script drafting and feedback, to a number of public speaking coaching sessions with professionals and ex-speakers to develop his abilities and performances.

Looking back on the whole experience, Owen was proud of what he achieved:

“Whilst preparing for my Tedx talk was a long and often daunting process which challenged me from my very core, I have definitely come out improved as a speaker and a person”

You can keep up to do date with all the activities being carried out by BGSU through our news page. If you’d like to get involved in discussions or activities like this then visit our website, contact our Enquiries Team or book on to one of our Open Days to begin your journey.