From Nerves to Nods: My Unforgettable First Experience as a Guest Speaker on a Talk Show

Hello peeps! I’m Ghassani Ghina Amirah, call me Mia. Here’s my story as a speaker at the Talkshow during DEGRADIA FESTIVAL 2024. It was an exciting and memorable experience, especially because it was my very first time speaking at such an event.

A picture taken while I was a speaker at the talkshow.

On November 28, 2024, I received an unexpected message from my lecturer in the Diploma program, Mr. Hari Purnomo. To my surprise, he invited me to participate as a speaker in a talkshow that was scheduled for the very next day, November 29, 2024, at 1 PM. The event was part of the DEGRADIA FESTIVAL 2024, which was themed “Let the World See Your Art.”

The event poster design


Although I was initially caught off guard by the short notice, I felt both honored and excited by the opportunity. I quickly accepted the invitation, eager to share my thoughts and experiences with others. The talkshow focused on a topic that I am passionate about — Branding Identity, and how it plays a crucial role in the Creative Industry, particularly in relation to Local Culture. It was a fascinating discussion that explored how effective branding can shape the way creative businesses are perceived, as well as how local traditions and culture can influence modern branding strategies.

Throughout the session, I had the chance to interact with other experts in the field, exchanging ideas and learning from their insights. I also appreciated the opportunity to connect with the audience, many of whom were enthusiastic about exploring the intersection of creativity, culture, and branding. Overall, it was a valuable and inspiring experience that not only allowed me to contribute to an important conversation but also pushed me to grow as a speaker and as an individual.

A photo during the souvenir reception


After that, I received a souvenir from Degradia (Himpunan Mahasiswa Desain Grafis Polimedia).

It was such a thoughtful gesture, and I felt truly appreciated. The souvenir was not just a simple token, but a meaningful reminder of the event and the incredible opportunity I had to be a part of the festival. As I held it in my hands, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much effort and dedication had gone into organizing the entire event, from the talkshow to the exhibition and all the other activities.

The souvenir was a small yet significant symbol of the connection I had made with the students, faculty, and other speakers involved. It was also a beautiful reminder of the creativity and passion that define the Graphic Design program at Polimedia. I left the event feeling inspired, grateful, and even more motivated to continue pursuing my own creative journey.

Photo session


After the talkshow, there was a photo session where all the speakers, organizers, and participants gathered for a group photo. It was a great opportunity to capture memories of the event and celebrate the collaboration between everyone involved. The atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter, and excitement as we posed for the pictures, creating lasting memories of the day.

The photo session allowed us to reflect on the success of the talkshow and the connections we had made throughout the festival. It was not just about taking pictures but also about cherishing the moments and the relationships that were built during the event.

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Then, Mr. Hari Purnomo and I took some time to explore the art exhibition, which was also a part of the event. The exhibition featured a wide range of creative works, and it was a great opportunity to see the talent and innovation of the students. The exhibitors were primarily students from the Graphic Design program, ranging from 1st to 4th semester. Additionally, some of the final projects selected by the faculty were showcased, offering a glimpse into the high level of creativity and skill within the department.

As we walked through the exhibition, I was amazed by the diversity of artwork on display, from digital designs to traditional art forms. It was inspiring to see how the students had applied the principles of design in their projects, reflecting their individual styles while also staying true to the cultural themes emphasized by the festival. The exhibition was not only a great way to showcase the students’ hard work but also a reminder of the importance of creativity and innovation in the modern world.

Touring the art exhibition at the event


A huge thank you to Mr. Hari Purnomo, Hasa, and all the committee members and participants. It was a pleasure to be part of this amazing event, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with such talented and passionate individuals.

I truly appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into organizing everything, from the talkshow to the exhibition, and all the activities in between. Your efforts made this event a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.

It was wonderful to meet so many like-minded people and to learn from the discussions and interactions. I am looking forward to seeing you all at future events, where we can continue to share ideas and experiences. Until then, take care, and I am happy to have had the chance to see you all and be part of this special occasion!

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Credits: Picture was taken by committee of Degradia Festival 2024