TEDx Talk success for Lincoln Bishop alum and colleague

In 2024, Lincoln Bishop colleague, Connor Short, delivered an inspiring speech on his experience as a young carer – which has now been watched over 20,000 times.  

Since first celebrating Connor’s talk when he attended TEDxBrayford Pool in November 2024, we recently caught up with him to talk about where it all began, the online release of his talk and the positive impact of sharing his story. 

The last twenty years of Connor’s lived experiences contributed to the content of his talk, but the notion of turning his story into a public exchange came from organic conversations at Lincoln Bishop. 

Connor said: “I watched the fantastic talks produced by Robyn Jackaman and Lyndsay Muir, both incredible women in their fields, and Lincoln Bishop lecturers. While working in the UNION bar one night I spoke with Robyn about her talk and she was the first to tell me that I could make a real impact with my story.”

After graduating from Lincoln Bishop in 2022, assuming the role of SU President for two years and now working as Deputy Safeguarding Lead at the University, Connor’s talk shared an insight into his journey from a young carer to where he is today. 

Connor continued: “Right after delivering the talk I felt hollow. I was vaguely aware of walking on the stage and speaking, but the excitement and nerves meant that I left absolutely everything on that stage. I knew I had to speak out about what so many of us experience. 

“Initially I was terrified of my talk being released internationally. I was on holiday when the talks from my cohort were shared online, but then I found out that TEDx were holding mine for specific release – it was like a weight was lifted off my chest and every hope I had for myself was realised.”

Within 24 hours of his talk being posted, the video reached over 20,000 views. 

Connor shared: “That night I sat in my living room watching the number climb and I remember thinking, ‘if young Connor could see me now, he would not believe it’. Unfortunately, I was one of many children who were told that because of their low grades and dyslexia, that they would never achieve – it has been so much fun proving those people wrong.” 

Since he first delivered his talk and it was later shared online, Connor has received resoundingly positive feedback – from friends and strangers alike to individuals who related to his story, as well as those who learnt something from listening. 

Connor said: “I remember being stopped by multiple people, some of whom congratulated me and others who thanked me for telling my story. 

“Some most notably commented on how they themselves were carers, and how they saw themselves in what I had said. Those comments really hit different. At that point I knew I had done something that could reach people in a very human way, but I hadn't thought about what it might become after.”

Most recently, Connor discovered that his talk is being used by colleges and universities across the UK – not just as an example of widening participation, but also as an illustration of high-quality public speaking, 

Connor continued: “The talk being shared with students up and down the country has filled me with joy. Just the knowledge that something a young dyslexic kid from Grimsby has produced is helping so many, makes it all worth it.  

Following his TEDx Talk, Connor has received some incredible opportunities to speak at high profile events including, the National Union of Students (NUS) and Universities UK (UUK). He continues to teach drama for Echo Theatre (Lincolnshire), alongside guest lecturing at a variety of universities and working on National Theatre productions. 

Connor said: “With every opportunity I remind myself that, as my mum likes to say, ‘It takes a great deal of hard work to get this lucky’. My work will always have an undercurrent of providing a voice for those who feel they have none. 

“I feel strongly that these experiences and the hardships motivating them have provided me with the confidence and skills to grow at an un-precented rate. I am young, but I am a product of my adversity and mine has helped me thrive!”

To watch Connor’s TEDx Talk ‘Caregiving is hard — especially for young people’, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC8XviR7lkY

To find out more about Widening Participation at Lincoln Bishop, please visit https://www.lincolnbishop.ac.uk/about/outreach/widening-participation