The 99 second talk I didn't get to do at MoTaCon

14 Oct 2026

Video of Demi doing a 99 second talk at her desk at home, talking about how the thigns she learned at MoTaCon 2026 reminded her of how underrepresented grey box testing is.
At MoTaCon many people asked if I was planning to do a 99 second talk. Those who have done one are very big fans of the concept and encouraged anyone and everyone to take a chance and just go for it. I have never done one before, but by the time the 99 second talks were on the schedule I had come up with an idea and was considering going up on stage. However the line was so long with willing participants, I stayed in my chair thinking that there wouldn't be time for me to do one as well.
I was right, many people in line didn't get to do their 99 second talk. But I decided I wasn't going to give up. After MoTaCon I got busy again with work and life, but I finally found some time to record my talk.
So, here it is, my very first 99 second talk! (I even stayed within the time limit 😉)

It's about how, when you think in just black and white, you miss a lot of depth. This is very visible in the types of testing people remember. When asking a random person in software who isn't a tester what types of testing there are, chances are they'll begin with white box and black box testing. In my team however, there was always a need for grey box testing. Although a recognized term (see the definition in the glossary), it is hardly mentioned anywhere. This includes a smmary made at my job of what test types and techniques QAs should know. 

For me grey box testing deserves a lot more recognition, which is why I did this 99 second talk. I'm thinking of doing some more with it, but not sure what, a talk or workshop or call for insight or... If you have any ideas, let me know.

(Disclaimer: in true 99 second talk fashion, this is the first and only take, I didn't even take a look at it before uploading, so hope it's a bit OK 🙃)
Demi Van Malcot profile image
Demi Van Malcot
Test engineer, Test lead, Quality manager
she/her

I've been in testing since 2023, since then I never stopped learning and taking every opportunity I've come across. From becoming test lead not long after I started, to being a community lead for testing and for AI in at the company I work at. Nowadays I'm learning the ropes of leading with quality as I have added the role of quality manager of my department to my growing list of titles.

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