Alison Lester has been performing improvisational comedy for the last 12 years, and teaches these skills to her communication training and coaching clients to improve their mental agility, flexibility, and confidence. Improvisation has also loosened her up as a writer: her collection of short stories, Locked Out, was published in 2006, and she has just finished a novel. She recently wrote the script for A Singaporean in Paris, a cabaret starring Hossan Leong, which is being produced by Sing’Theatre and will be performed at the DBS Arts Centre in April. Additionally, she is directing the voices for a new children's cartoon and managing the dynamics of living with two teenagers and a small dog. She was born in the United States and has lived in Asia for 20 years. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)