First tech talk

Introduction

This blog is about my experience at the Foss United Delhi community meetup.

Which happened at Software Freedom Law Center India (SFLC.in).

I got the chance to give my first tech talk at that event only.

Story

I and my colleague were discussing hosting a meetup at our office. So after discussing and checking how feasible will it be to host a meetup at our office.

We took permission from the administration and informed Foss United Delhi that we can help host the meetup this time at our office.

It was a very good chance to interact with so many people. But as usual, I got late to reach the office. But my colleague managed to manage everything.

From deciding on food, and beverages, and ordering them as well.

That was embarrassing for me to get late every time. But the situations never allow me to reach on time. So the same thing happened here too. I reached around 1 hour late.

A few friends of mine were waiting too.

Finally, I reached the venue.

Then my colleague introduced me in front of everyone. I provided my short introduction.

Just said, "Hello everyone I am Orendra. (An An An) And I work here as a Full Stack Developer" (I do stammer sometimes so that was the reason to put An An An to explain the exact situation).

My colleague was giving a talk on the topic.

How he has helped a project connecting remote villages by using a locally run server that hosts a couple of lectures and study material for schools.

That was really interesting talk you may check the project on which he has worked here - ldl.fsftn.org

So it's time for the next talk which was provided by Sanket.

His talk was related to the same topic but hardware thing was also included in his talk. He was explaining how open-source hardware can help connect remote villages.

To the internet and help so many people around the cities where connectivity lacks.

He also explained really well.

And now time for some refreshments and a networking session.

I met so many people and get to know about them and their work and so many other things.

In the networking session, I was talking with one of my ex-colleague that how's everything going on. Suddenly she asked Orendra when will you start giving talks.

I said in a kidding way that why not from now onwards.

She said yes should do it.

I said

I was just kidding you took it seriously well will start next time now I am not prepared.

She said just make sure you do it next time.

I said ok why not start it now, but this time not in a kidding way. I, my colleague, and the organizer of foss united were standing there.

Without thinking for a second I said.

Hey, can I give a talk today just after the last scheduled talk?

He said sure.

I was so happy and also a bit nervous.

Thinking in mind I have not prepared even what can be the topic and just said to give a talk.

Lunchtime was over. We are back to the talks.

The next talk was from someone explaining the benefits of the MLH Fellowship.

The session was so interesting.

She introduced a game in which we need to choose any random person among ourselves.

Talk to them about yourself and ask them about their introduction and a few other questions which she displayed to the projector.

Everyone enjoyed a lot that game.

So what next right..

It's time for my talk. Vishal (The organizer of Foss United Event) forget that my talk will also be there.

So he came to conclude the meetup.

I interrupted and said wait how you can forget my talk?

😂

He said sorry. You carry on with your talk.

Before I start with my introduction.

I started stammering in starting only.

Then somehow I tried to manage with the introduction part. In starting I was thinking of just leaving by saying sorry.

Because no words were coming out of the mouth.

Somehow I tried calming down myself.

And told everyone. I might not be clear with what I will speak but will try to be clear with what I want to explain.

As I have the habit of stammering issues from my childhood.

As soon as I disclosed the topic of my talk everyone's eye was on me.

The topic - How to use your spare laptop as a server.

And I was so happy and didn't expect this much attention in starting only.

I tried explaining how I did all this stuff.

Someone from the audience asked -

Orendra, you didn't provide your full introduction.

I asked - Really?

I introduced myself.

Told I am a full stack developer and from where I have completed my graduation.

And 4-5 people from the audience were from the same college I did graduate from.

This was an interesting part. So let's move forward.

After the explaination - everyone asked me Orendra can you draw a diagram for the same for us.

Then I explained everything and answered all the questions asked by the audience.

The sound of claps👏 was fantastic at the end. Appreciation from the audience won my heart 💖.

That all was my experience.

Thanks for reading.