Enlighten us--but make it quick. That's the motto of Ignite!, a speaking competition that's coming to NASW in 2011. Registered NASW meeting attendees can enter to be one of the limited number of speakers who'll share what they're most passionate about in science writing. The twist? Every talk is limited to 5 minutes of speaking and 20 slides that are auto-advanced every 15 seconds, whether you're ready or not.

We'll be emailing details on how to enter soon. Topics should be related to science writing...after that, it's up to you. Tell us a great story that wound up on the cutting-room floor. Share the most frustrating, funny or lucrative part of your work as a science writer. Describe a career detour, a story you couldn't shake until it was done right, an elegant piece of methodology, who inspires you, or (gulp) your favorite mistake. Just be quick about it.

Not for the faint-of-heart speaker, but great fun for the audience. We'll be doing this adjacent to the opening night reception, so bring in your cocktail and your applause-o-meter. Stay for one talk or the whole series. We guarantee a panel-free zone, on-time speakers for whom brevity is a must, and a dash of the unexpected. Start getting ideas on prepping (and watching) Ignite! talks here.

To sign up, contact David Harris physicsdavid@gmail.com or @physicsdavid