Elevator Pitch
Hip Hop and Unit Tests. A match made in heaven? Through a mix of audio, video and live performance, Tony will explore Web Audio in an attempt to convince the audience of its suitability for audio transcription. This is a fast paced and highly engaging talk with a crescendo you won’t forget.
Description
Speech recognition is all around us. From the smartphones in our pockets to the devices at the heart of our digital homes, we’re never far from audio recognition technology. Not only does it enable new ways of interacting with computers, it’s also set to reshape Human Computer Interaction for people requiring assistive technologies.
The humble web browser is no exception. The speechRecognitionAPI enables developers to incorporate advanced speech interactions into today’s web applications. But is it any good? Combining two of his passions, Tony sets out to discover if the speechRecognitionAPI can be used as an aid in transcribing hip-hop lyrics in a live performance.
After an introduction to the broader technology, a mix of audio, video and live performance tells the tale of creating an MVP transcription application to aid in the writing of new songs. As a development project, each iteration of the app is accompanied by a set of unit tests. The final unit test is executed live, resulting in a crescendo you won’t want to miss.
Notes
High Level
There is plenty of audience participation included in this talk and the audience will be on their feet by the end. If the crowd have had a drink or two….. all the better.
Ideally, the talk would be allocated 30 minutes, but can be made to fit a slot anywhere between 25 and 45 minutes. Ask nicely and it might be possible to shorten a little further.
Technical
This talk assumes that I’ll be able to present off my own device. A stable internet connection is required for one of the tests, but this can be provided by a personal hotspot and dropped altogether if necessary.
It includes a number of audio and video clips to help tell the tale of the project’s evolution. Naturally, these work best when there is an audio system to plug into from a standard headphone socket. If required, a set of speakers can be provided to suit smaller rooms.
The crescendo of the talk is a live performed rap which requires a microphone. I can set up my own fixed position microphone with stand, which works through the presenting device. If available at the venue, a wireless handheld mic allows for a better, more engaging performance.
Swag
Before giving performing the rap, the crowd are transformed into an 8 mile style rap battle audience. This involves giving out some swag. The swag, or more precisely hats, are branded using the events own logo.
For small audiences, I can provide these myself…. although for larger crowd a contribution from the event organisers would be required to ensure everyone gets one. For larger crowds, help with distributing the hats quickly would be required to keep the talk flowing.
Having a high resolution logo available would make printing super swift.
Personal Bio
Tony Edwards is a one half of Future Sync Events, a tech focused event startup based in the South West. Tony also works for Software Cornwall, a network of digital businesses in the county, where he helps inspire the next generation of budding developers to follow their digital dreams and enter the broader software industry.
In recent years, Tony has been supporting the regions digital communities through volunteering, speaking and helping to organise events. Whether it’s live blogging for award winning Agile conferences, managing social media for community meetups, producing swag for awards ceremonies or simply attending, if there’s something happening for the digitally minded in the South West…. chances are Tony is in the mix somehow.
Promotional Materials
In the weeks leading up to the event, I’ll record a short promo video and share on social media. Feel free to use this video in your event promotional materials. If you’d like this far in advance of the event, please shout.
Template social media posts and headshots are available here.