TED Talks: Icons Season 1 Episode 2 Roger Ebert: Remaking My Voice

Roger Ebert: Remaking My Voice is the second episode of season 1 of the show TED Talks: Icons. The episode features the renowned film critic, journalist, and screenwriter Roger Ebert, who is known for his influential work as a critic for the Chicago Sun-Times and his collaborations with Gene Siskel on the television program, Siskel & Ebert. Ebert's voice was an integral part of his career, but in 2006, he lost it due to complications from thyroid cancer and subsequent surgeries.

In this episode, Ebert reflects on his journey to regain his voice through the use of computer-generated speech technology. The episode starts with Ebert's personal story of his battle with cancer and how he relied on his voice to communicate as a writer and a film critic. He discusses the psychological impact of losing his ability to speak and how he had to adjust to using a computer to communicate with others.

As the episode progresses, Ebert delves into the history of artificial speech, from the earliest experimentation with text-to-speech technology to the modern-day advancements that have allowed him to recreate his voice. He shares the process of recording his voice before he lost it, which was used to create a computer-generated voice that mimics his tone, intonation, and rhythm. He also mentions the challenges he faced in learning to use the new technology and his initial reluctance to embrace it.

Ebert's discussion of his voice, both before and after cancer, transitions into a broader conversation about the relationship between one's voice and one's identity. He shares how people often assume that he is angry or grumpy when they first hear his computer-generated voice, simply because it is not the voice they expect. He also argues that voice is an integral part of how we form our identity and how others perceive us.

Throughout the episode, Ebert also shares his opinions on the current state of the film industry and how technology has impacted it. He discusses the democratization of filmmaking, the rise of streaming services, and the effect of the internet on film criticism.

In conclusion, Roger Ebert: Remaking My Voice is an inspiring and thought-provoking episode that explores the intersection of technology, voice, and identity. Ebert's personal story of overcoming adversity will resonate with viewers, and his insights into the power of communication and the impact of technology on society will leave them with much to ponder.