14th of October 2024
written by Louis de Diesbach
Participating in a TEDx event is a unique experience. For me, it all began a year ago when my friend Cyrille suggested I do a TEDx in Nantes. I immediately said yes, and that decision led to months of intense preparation and unforgettable connections. This journey, far more than just a conference, was a deeply human experience and a profound reflection on our relationship with technology and ethics.
Being selected for TEDxNantes set off a rigorous timeline. Eight months before the event, I was informed I had been chosen. Over the next six months, I was supported by extraordinary coaches—Marjorie, Mélanie, and, of course, Cyrille. These coaching sessions, combined with numerous rehearsals in Nantes (not easy when you’re traveling from Brussels!), allowed me to refine every word and every gesture to deliver a message that was impactful and sincere. In the two days before the event, everything came together: final rehearsals, staging, lighting, makeup, and finally, the moment everyone was waiting for.
On the day of TEDxNantes, the stress was palpable. I found myself alone on the famous “red circle,” facing an audience of 1,200 people. Although I had spent months preparing for this moment, the apprehension was intense. Yet once on stage, the audience's kindness helped ease much of my anxiety. Speaking about the importance of ethical technology and our ability to “take control of our lives” in the face of technological advancements reconnected me with the ideas I stand by every day.
The TEDxNantes team, driven by the "Chasseurs d’Inspirations" association, is dedicated to spreading local ideas on a large scale, sharing perspectives that reach beyond regional and national borders. Their mission is to organize events that inspire with valuable, creative ideas that engage people in building a more human and joyful world, moving toward progress. Licensed by the TED Foundation, TEDxNantes is committed to contributing actively to a better and brighter future.
Beyond the conference itself, this journey was filled with exceptional encounters. My fellow speakers—Lukas, David, Timothee, Emmy, Fiona, Joanna, and Dominique—each brought something unique. Our messages resonated, sometimes without prior coordination, creating an unexpectedly powerful harmony. Every person, from the production team to the other speakers, played a part in making this event special. Géraldine, Damien, and the rest of the organizers did an outstanding job, allowing us to focus entirely on delivering our messages.
After months of preparation and intensity, returning to everyday life can feel sudden and stark. The magic of that shared moment gives way to a surprising, almost abyssal silence—what I call the "after" vacuum. It’s a striking contrast to the energy of the stage but doesn’t diminish the power of the experience.
For me, this TEDx will remain an indelible memory, marked by the connections and reflections we shared.
My talk centered on the importance of fostering an ethical digital world—one that doesn’t control us but instead enables us to take charge of our lives. As I shared on stage, “A digital world that lets us think freely is a digital world that lets us reclaim control over our lives.” My goal was to spark reflection on our relationship with technology and to encourage a critical, responsible approach.
TEDxNantes was more than just a talk; it was a milestone, a human and philosophical experience that I will cherish for a long time. This journey allowed me to share a message close to my heart and to build lasting connections with fellow speakers, the TEDx team, and the audience.
Now, with the video available online (Watch it on Youtube), I hope this message will continue to resonate and inspire others, and I invite everyone who wishes to share their thoughts and keep the conversation going.
Written by Louis de Diesbach
Tech ethicist and consultant
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