There’s alot to be said for simple discussions that have the ability to make you see something in a different light or open your eyes to an innovative idea. TED talks have been around the block for a while now, but for many web users out there, watching a speech doesn’t seem like the most intriguing way to spend time. But here’s the thing: TED Talks are different. If you’re new to TED, it’s worldwide set of annual conferences covering Tech, Entertainment and Design and each conference features short, yet powerful talks (18 minutes or less). With free live-streaming and nearly 2,000 recorded talks available for viewing, you don’t have to attend a TED conference to get the idea. Today the talks cover anything from global issues to business ideas and even scientific discussions.
Some TED talks are given by world-famous presenters at the renowned annual conferences, while others are saved for smaller locales. The one thing they have in common: they’re thought-provoking and informative, helping to open minds and hearts around the world. If you have loads of extra time on your hands, you should watch them all (you’ll learn so much!) – but for anyone with just a few (maybe under 18) minutes to spare, here are 10 TED Talks that will immediately change how you see the world. Enjoy!
Mike Rowe: Learning from Dirty Jobs
https://www.ted.com/talks/mike_rowe_celebrates_dirty_jobs
Mike Rowe, the host of “Dirty Jobs,” tells some compelling (and horrifying) real-life job stories. Listen for his insights and observations about the nature of hard work, and how it’s been unjustifiably degraded in society today.
Jill Bolte Taylor: My Stroke of Insight
http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight
Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions — motion, speech, self-awareness — shut down one by one. An astonishing story.
Aimee Mullins: My 12 pairs of legs
http://www.ted.com/talks/aimee_mullins_prosthetic_aesthetics
Athlete, actor and activist Aimee Mullins talks about her prosthetic legs — she’s got a dozen amazing pairs — and the superpowers they grant her: speed, beauty, an extra 6 inches of height … Quite simply, she redefines what the body can be.
Shane Koyczan: For the bullied…and beautiful
http://www.ted.com/talks/shane_koyczan_to_this_day_for_the_bullied_and_beautiful
By turn hilarious and haunting, poet Shane Koyczan puts his finger on the pulse of what it’s like to be young and … different. “To This Day,” his spoken-word poem about bullying, captivated millions as a viral video (created, crowd-source style, by 80 animators). Here, he gives a glorious, live reprise with backstory and violin accompaniment by Hannah Epperson.
Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius
http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius
Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses — and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person “being” a genius, all of us “have” a genius. It’s a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.
Cameron Russell: Looks aren’t everything. Believe me, I’m a model.
http://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_russell_looks_aren_t_everything_believe_me_i_m_a_model
Cameron Russell admits she won “a genetic lottery”: she’s tall, pretty and an underwear model. But don’t judge her by her looks. In this fearless talk, she takes a wry look at the industry that had her looking highly seductive at barely 16 years old.
Majora Carter: Greening the ghetto
http://www.ted.com/talks/majora_carter_s_tale_of_urban_renewal
In an emotionally charged talk, MacArthur-winning activist Majora Carter details her fight for environmental justice in the South Bronx — and shows how minority neighborhoods suffer most from flawed urban policy.
Hyeonseo Lee: My escape from North Korea
https://www.ted.com/talks/hyeonseo_lee_my_escape_from_north_korea
As a child growing up in North Korea, Hyeonseo Lee thought her country was “the best on the planet.” It wasn’t until the famine of the 90s that she began to wonder. She escaped the country at 14, to begin a life in hiding, as a refugee in China. Hers is a harrowing, personal tale of survival and hope — and a powerful reminder of those who face constant danger, even when the border is far behind.
Benjamin Zander: The transformative power of classical music
http://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion
Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it — and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities, new experiences, new connections.
Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
Which one of these powerful talks is first on your listening list?
**All TED talk summaries taken from ted.com
