In this talk, researcher and writer, Dr Alice Ashcroft, explores how the subtle language pattern of "hedging" (those small words like "I think," "maybe," and "sort of") shapes our professional and personal lives in ways we rarely notice. Drawing from her research in gendered language and technology, she reveals how hedging isn't linguistic filler but a tool that reflects power dynamics, gender expectations, and the double bind many women face: speak directly and face social penalties, or hedge and undermine your own authority. Through examples from software design meetings to childhood memories, she demonstrates how understanding hedging can transform it from an unconscious habit into a strategic choice.Rather than advocating for the elimination of hedging language, Dr Alice Ashcroft, reframes it as a skill to be refined and deployed intentionally. She introduces practical tools like "The Button Example" and "The Power of Why" to help audiences recognise when hedging serves them and when it doesn't. The talk challenges conventional wisdom about confident communication, arguing that mastering intentional hedging isn't about speaking more like men or removing uncertainty from our language, it's about making conscious choices about how we use language to navigate systems that weren't designed with everyone's voices in mind. The result is a fresh perspective on communication that empowers people to maintain their authentic voices while claiming the space and authority they deserve.Dr Alice Ashcroft is a researcher and consultant who analyses the impact of identity and gendered language in software design and technology use. Alice has been published in peer-reviewed academic publications, and her PhD, titled “Design, Innovation and Software: The Impact of Gender and Language”, focused on how gender affects communication and teamwork in software design and innovation workshops. Their work highlights the need for more inclusive practices that give everyone a voice, helping to improve creativity and collaboration in the design process.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Growing up in North Dakota, nearly every mentor I had encouraged me to leave ND. Many of my friends did. But I chose to stay, not because it was easier, but because I believe in the potential of this place and its people. ND has so much worth celebrating, yet we often overlook the importance of investing in our own communities. What is the true cost of not investing? I will share how projects like Grand Forks Children's Museum represent not just an idea, but a big vision—one that starts with our youngest generations. It is a blink of an eye and a kid turns 18, what they are exposed to during those formative years shapes their futures. Sally Miskavige is Vice President of Opp Construction, a Grand Forks and Fargo-based contractor specializing in concrete and asphalt paving, landscaping, and erosion control. The company was founded by her father, Greg Opp, in 1978.Sally is a co-founder of TAG – The Art of Giving and a founding board member of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. She has served on the Grand Forks Public Arts Commission since 2016 and previously held board positions with the North Dakota Museum of Art, NOSHA, and the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota, where she was President in 2020 and 2021.Sally and her husband Jeremy enjoy spending time enjoying the outdoors, the arts & sports activities with their two children and their extended family and friends. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx