Note: Presentation Idol is currently on hiatus – any updates will be posted here
Idol “Lite” 2022
The 2022 competition, which was open to students in engineering and technology programs, was a streamlined version of Presentation Idol, with video submissions.
Winners
In 2022, the judges awarded a first place tie to:
- Katie Gamble, Mining Engineering: Fleet Electrification for a Cleaner Future in Mining
- Adam Janis, Civil Engineering: WikiHouse – An Open Source Housing Solution for Canada
Check out the winning videos:
Thank you to our sponsors, BCIT’s School of Computing & Academic Studies, School of Construction & the Environment, and School of Energy. Idol Lite is presented by BCIT’s Communication Department with support from the BCIT IEEE Club, Civil Engineering Club, and Mechanical Engineering Club.
What is Presentation Idol?
Eligible BCIT engineering and technology students, who have taken at least one BCIT Communication Department course, are invited to deliver a six- to eight-minute oral presentation on a technology-related topic. Students are encouraged to showcase and/or comment on innovation in engineering and technology, for instance by presenting their own designs, or exploring and commenting on new frontiers, such as technology for sustainability, cradle to cradle design for a circular economy, the intersection of engineering and social justice, societal impacts of technology, frugal engineering, and the like.
Up to 24 participants can enter the first round, and six proceed to the final round.
Registration is on a first-come basis.
Possible Prizes
- First place $1000
- Second place $750
- Third place $500
- Sustainability $300
- Innovation/Original Project $300
Warren Buffett“You can improve your value by 50 percent just by learning communication skills”
Eligibility
Eligible students are current students whose programs could lead them to membership in Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC), Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC), or Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) – Canada’s Association of Information Technology Professionals. Examples include students in any program with engineering in the name, as well as the Architectural and Building Technology Diploma, Architectural Science, Computing, Geomatics, Mechatronics and Robotics, Mining, Biotechnology, or other programs which lead to ASTTBC membership, from the schools of Computing and Academic Studies, School of Energy, School of Construction and the Environment, and School of Health Sciences.
Please note that a Judges’ Choice “Presentation Idol” can only reign once. If a first place winner wishes to participate in a subsequent year, they may be offered a role as moderator or other honour.
Learn to present like a winner
Wish you could present like a Presentation Idol winner? Hone your skills in a six-week evening course.
Presentation inspiration
Words of advice from T.J. Moon, past Presentation Idol winner:
- Pick a topic you love
- Present for yourself – enjoy the experience
- A little humour speaks to everyone, everywhere, and every time!
Contact us
For more information, please email idol@bcit.ca
Event note: ASL interpretation can be provided by advance request. If there are any additional needs you have in order to participate in this event, please contact us.
Audience comment“…more captivating than a movie. The quality of the presentations was outstanding.”
“Presentation Idol was an amazing experience. It provided an outlet to showcase and strengthen my presentation skills, while still being able to take away advice for improvement. It also allowed me to convey my passion for civil engineering to others – there is true value and beauty in this field of work which surrounds all aspects of our daily lives. If you are on the fence about participating, I would encourage you to just sign up and see where it leads you!”
Thanks to our founders!
Presentation Idol was founded by BCIT Communication Instructors Katherine Golder, Deanna Levis, and Darlene Webb, with inspiration from Jean Scribner, in 2011.