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I think that Salman Khan would be great. I'm sure most of us have watched at least one of his videos, and he does some science stuff too, like Astronomy and Genetics. Also, he looks like a pretty good speaker: http://vimeo.com/11731351

harryk wrote: When you say that the Mythbusters can't do it, is that just Jamie and Adam? Becuase I think Grant Imahara could be good as well

None of them can do it.

I don't have a specific person in mind but some opinions about what does and does not seem to work. Ben Carson is inspirational because of his work, his success and his story. The best speakers are those who have done inspiring things, who have changed their world/profession in a meaningful way and who have great backstories. Less successful for this group are people who have become famous primary for pitching science to kids (The Science Guys or We love Science or Science is Magic) or even translating complex principles to simpler but entertaining ones (as in Myth Busters). This year's speaker was excellent but she is very unusual. She had a great subject matter and obviously is skilled at talking about her science to the lay public. But, generally speaking, I think the audience is beyond the science can be entertaining pitch that you may get with people like The Science Guy. This is a sophisticated science audience and speakers who talk about encouraging kids to enter STEM are misplaced. Better would be someone taking chances in science or forging new territory or looking at intriguing important questions or developing new technology but who can also talk to people (good speaker).

havenguy wrote:I think that Salman Khan would be great. I'm sure most of us have watched at least one of his videos, and he does some science stuff too, like Astronomy and Genetics. Also, he looks like a pretty good speaker: http://vimeo.com/11731351

Thats a really good idea. He is really good in explaining topics of math and science. I was also thinking Brian Cox, he is an astronomer and does some really good research in quantum physics.

In 2010, Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs) was the keynote speaker at the National Boy Scout Jamboree. I believe it's out on Youtube. Talk about inspirational without being dry....amazing speaker!!!

How about Gerald Wayne Clough? Director of the Smithsonian and president of Georgia Tech.

How About Peter Higgs?

sz0510 wrote:Ben Carson remains the best keynote speaker I've heard yet (2008 George Washington University) and the message he gave was profound and inspiring (THINK BIG). It would be amazing if you guys could get him again.

Ben Carson? the head-surgeon guy? That's awesome! Definitely, I would love to hear him speak.

havenguy wrote:I think that Salman Khan would be great. I'm sure most of us have watched at least one of his videos, and he does some science stuff too, like Astronomy and Genetics. Also, he looks like a pretty good speaker: http://vimeo.com/11731351

Salman Khan would be cool too...i love Khan Academy!

knittingfrenzy18 wrote:

havenguy wrote:I think that Salman Khan would be great. I'm sure most of us have watched at least one of his videos, and he does some science stuff too, like Astronomy and Genetics. Also, he looks like a pretty good speaker: http://vimeo.com/11731351

Salman Khan would be cool too...i love Khan Academy!

Agreed, he's a great teacher and speaker.