Hello, my name is Rebecca and I am a TED Talk addict. I can’t even begin to describe my new found obsession with TED Talks. It seems in the last 6 months, instead of spending my extra time watching reruns of my favourite TV shows, I’ve been listening and watching all sorts of TED Talks. Talks about finance, mental health, happiness, storytelling, procrastination, and the list goes on. There seems to be a TED Talk for every topic. You might already be familiar with TED Talks, but if you’re not I’ll give you some information about it. TED is a nonprofit organization that is all about starting discussions and sharing ideas about many topics in many languages. Many of the speakers are inspiring to listen to. It’s all about sharing ideas and generating discussions.
So these 5 TED Talks are my current favourites. Each left me feeling inspired to be better, take action, and that my struggles with vulnerability, shame, and procrastination weren’t so alienating afterall.
The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown
Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.
If a Story Moves You, Act on it – Sisonke Msimang
Stories are necessary, but they’re not as magical as they seem, says writer Sisonke Msimang. In this funny and thoughtful talk, Msimang questions our emphasis on storytelling and spotlights the decline of facts. During a critical time when listening has been confused for action, Msimang asks us to switch off our phones, step away from our screens and step out into the real world to create a plan for justice.
Listening to Shame – Brené Brown
Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word.
There’s More to Life than Being Happy – Emily Esfahani Smith
“Our culture is obsessed with happiness, but what if there’s a more fulfilling path? Happiness comes and goes, says writer Emily Esfahani Smith, but having meaning in life — serving something beyond yourself and developing the best within you — gives you something to hold onto. Learn more about the difference between being happy and having meaning as Smith offers four pillars of a meaningful life.”
Inside the mind of a Master Procrastinator – Tim Urban
Tim Urban knows that procrastination doesn’t make sense, but he’s never been able to shake his habit of waiting until the last minute to get things done. In this hilarious and insightful talk, Urban takes us on a journey through YouTube binges, Wikipedia rabbit holes and bouts of staring out the window — and encourages us to think harder about what we’re really procrastinating on, before we run out of time.
I hope you feel at least a little inspired as watching these. If you have watched any Ted Talks that you loved or want to discuss, comment down below and we can chat about them!
Leave a Reply