Who would you like to see speak at a FIRST event?

FIRST General Forum
#21

The Mythbuster guys would be awesome to have speak. Heck, we could help them bust the myths of nerds not having girlfriends :D.

In all seriousness, the guys of Mythbusters really know how to make science and physics exciting. Seeing them speak would be very cool, and saying celebrities (well, celebrities to a limited cable audience, anyway) would definately make FIRST appealing to a wider audience, and get more people involved.

I, personally, would like to see President Bush speak. I know that it might be incredibly hard to arrange, but I know that he has a deep involvement in the education of America, and FIRST really shows our generations potential.

But I’ll bet that has been suggested before, so one more person I would like to see speak would be Bill Nye: The Science Guy. I remember watching the show, and he made science fun and entertaining to me. And, he did create the hydraulic pressure resonance suppressor, and we use alot of hydraulics, so it would only be appropriate.

#22

I have to agree that my favorite idea so far is the mythbusters (Jamie or Adam) are my favorite listed so far… but there are lots of good ideas. In addition I would like to see someone from the business world… someone like Donald Trump to talk about how FIRST is NOT just engineering. All of our teams run like mini businesses… so I think its important to start showing the kids the business sides.

Also, maybe a female engineer, scientist or astronaut… I havent seen a lot of female speakers in my time in FIRST (not to say there havent been any, but comparatively few at the events that I have been at).

#23

Several Choices:
G W Bush
Condeleeza Rice
Jon Johansen
Toby Keith
Donald J. Smith

And a few for which it is to late to speak:
Nikola Tesla
Albert Einstein
Richard Feynman
Enrico Fermi
Niels Bohr
Werner Heisenberg

(you didn’t say living… :slight_smile: )

#24

Oh man - that would be so cool. I’ve read several of his books - he had a very interesting life. I also had the chance to work with a guy in California who was one of Dr. Feynman’s physics students - and he said the stories are true - Dr. Feynman was a wildman!

#25

I watch Mythbusters all the time and wonder how great it would be to be able to afford the things they do, so having the crew speak would be awesome. Maybe we can think of a myth that we can help them crack! :smiley:

Alton would also be a choice speaker.

#26

Agreed. I remember seing something about him and RedZone Robotics on TV once. Cool guy.
I also agree with Sir Richard Branson.

#27

I met Red. He had a lot of great things to say about robotics and several really inspiring stories about groups of students forming companies to sell robots they built for projects that ended up saving lives. Really incredible stuff.

#28

Jim Lovell of the Apollo 13 mission.

#29

That would be awesome.

#30

How about Helen Greiner or Colin Angle ? Do they like Krispy Kremes too?

#31

I would like to see that "Google Guy" again lol. He was pretty cute and i learned a new things. And, it was really nice to see him come to the FIRST event. It’s really cool to meet new people and learn new things. (Last year’s National event in Atlanta)

#32

I second the vote for Mythbusters
and Neil Armstrong

a little bit afield, but I’d like to hear Danica Patrick, the Indy driver.

How about a “Predator pilot”? The ultimate robot driver.

Bill Gates or Craig Barret (Intel). They see the “big picture” about technical education and the impact it is having on our standard of living.

Jimmy Carter? engineer/president/statesman

thanks,
Allan

#33

I would love the chance to meet Neil Armstrong, but just hearing him speak would be something to remember for a lifetime. I heard Buzz Aldrin speak once at the Kennedy Space Center. That was awesome.

#34

I couldn’t agree with you more. I would like to see a true FIRSTer stand infront of us and speak his heart out. Only one who went through it and made FIRST his/her life knows what FIRST truly is. I read a testimony of a FIRSTer who is an engineer now few months ago (I think it was posted here on the forum). By reading his story, one can realize how much FIRST changes (in a very good way) one’s life.

#35

I don’t know who in particular would make a great speaker for a FIRST event, but they need to be dynamic and egaging.

Judging by the fact that I fell asleep during Larry Page/Dean’s speeches, I’m going to go ahead and say neither of them are.

As an example, see Dave. I don’t think anyone could fall asleep during a speech delivered by Dave. He spoke at SVR in 2004 (Pretty sure he gave the “Mars Rover” speech elsewhere), and it perfectly fit my two criteria.

#36

Definately Burt Rutan, or Steve Jobbs - who can maybe provide everyone invovled in FIRST with free video ipods :smiley:

#37

Linus would be awesome, but Adam Savage and Alton Brown are even better. My personal pick would be Ray Kurzwell. He is definitely tech savvy, and a great writer.

#38

I also vote Mythbusters =]

#39

Seems the general consensus is that we need someone more engaging and energetic. I mean, Dean can write great speeches, but he keeps the same depressed tone the whole time. The mythbusters would definately be the coolest.

#40

hmm Bill nye the science guy of course !!!
JK

um, I know this might sound weird but R kelly is actually a great public speaker and motivator, that’s my vote. I remember watching this mpeg a few months ago, it was quite moving – if I find it I’ll post!