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/dev/random Heralding

Schedule

Section titled “Schedule”

When: Sunday 9:00-17:00 (shifts of 1 hour)

Where: H.2215 (Ferrer), check in at Infodesk K before shift

Team size: 1-2 heralds per shift

What is the /dev/random Heralding task?

Section titled “What is the /dev/random Heralding task?”

Herald 15-minute presentations on any FOSS-related topic. Fast-paced format (15 min talks with 5-minute transitions). Your job: keep the schedule moving and make speakers feel welcome using the Lightning Talks Clock system.

Requirements

Section titled “Requirements”
  • Good command of English (spoken) - essential for introductions
  • Confidence speaking in front of audiences
  • Strict time management - 15 minutes per talk
  • Friendly demeanor - many first-time speakers

What you’ll be doing

Section titled “What you’ll be doing”
  • Use Lightning Talks Clock on the speaker desk
  • Coordinate with video team - ensure recording works
  • Handle no-shows - wait 2-3 minutes, move to next talk
  • Keep energy positive - welcome speakers warmly

Task workflow

Section titled “Task workflow”
  1. Arrive at Infodesk K 20 minutes early
  2. Go to /dev/random room (H.2215)
  3. Introduce yourself to video volunteer and current heralds during the next break in talks
  4. Review upcoming speakers and pronunciations
  5. Familiarize yourself with Lightning Talks Clock system
  6. Brief arriving speakers:
    • remind them of strict timing and format
    • encourage them to speak for the full time limit and to prefer to not take questions
    • offer water from supplies
  7. Introduce each speaker warmly but briefly (30 seconds max)
  8. Make sure countdown clock timer has started
  9. Monitor countdown timer
  10. Wrap up talks at 15 minutes politely but firmly

Safety

Section titled “Safety”
  • Stay calm - keep a level head when things don’t go as planned
  • Be firm on timing - fairness to all speakers
  • Speaker doesn’t show - wait 2-3 minutes, announce you’re moving to the next talk, note for staff in #volunteers-backstage:fosdem.org
  • Speaker runs over - stand up, thank them, start applause, move on
  • Technical issues - coordinate with video volunteer and via #video:fosdem.org

What to bring

Section titled “What to bring”
  • Orange volunteer t-shirt (provided at check-in)
  • Water bottle - you’ll be talking a lot!
  • Personal phone - for Matrix communication if needed

Why volunteer?

Section titled “Why volunteer?”

The (re-branded) Lightning Talks are a FOSDEM tradition showcasing the incredible diversity of FOSS projects and ideas that might not have necessarily made it into a devroom this year. Enjoy the variety!