Whether you’re a high school senior or a senior citizen, there is always room for increased awareness and self-improvement. TED has been inspiring people around the world to further immerse themselves in new perspectives since it was created in 1984. A non-profit that aims to spread potent ideas through short presentations given by experts in disparate fields, TED holds conferences worldwide on a variety of topics. These talks are then posted on YouTube for millions to watch. Here is a subjective list of my all time favorite TED talks. These talks will challenge you, inform you, and inspire you. Happy watching!
1. Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
This amazing TED talk delves into the power of body language. Cuddy talks about how whether we like it or not, our body language can give off a positive or negative impression the first time we meet someone. However, she also explores whether or not our non-verbals (what she calls our body language) can impact how we view ourselves internally. As many of us, myself included, struggle with body language this talk will demonstrate why it’s valuable to exude positive body language.
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2. Cameron Russell: Looks aren’t everything. Believe me, I’m a model.
In our social media-obsessed world it seems that people are more concerned than ever with how they look. A successful model whose career is built on appearances, Russell examines how we judge others based on looks and image. Using her own personal experiences and revealing internal insecurities, Russell encourages viewers to not focus on looking perfect all the time. After all, looking better does not always make us happier.
3. Kelly McGonigal: How to Make Stress Your Friend
Stress. We all face it. Many of us fear it. Stress has been made out to be harmful in all regards. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist challenges this idea and encourages viewers to see trepidation as a positive. McGonigal claims that stress is only bad for you if you believe it is bad for you. Instead of freaking out when you are worried, talk to others about your worries. Next time you notice that the anxiety you are facing is controlling your life, watch this amazing talk to change your perspective and feel better in the future.
4. Angela Lee Duckworth: The Key to Success? Grit
A once highly accomplished consultant, Duckworth left her high paying career for a teaching position in New York City Public Schools. She quickly saw that the kids with the highest IQs, with the most natural ability, were not the ones receiving the highest grades. Using her experiences in the classroom, coupled with her research as a psychologist, Duckworth came to realize that the biggest predictor of success was grit, “passion and perseverance for very long term goals ” no matter what comes in your way. Next time you feel lost or like your hard work is amounting to nothing, this TED talk will inspire you to keep pushing toward your goals.
5. Bryan Stevenson: We Need to Talk About an Injustice
As much as we would all love to say that racial and socioeconomic discrimination has diminished completely, that is far from true. These types of prejudice are particularly omnipresent in the prison system, where impoverished, black men make up a large portion of the inmates. Bryan Stevenson, a public defender and human rights lawyer, emphasizes this “injustice” in his highly acclaimed TED talk. A relevant talk to current events, a passionate and persuasive Stevenson claims that until we come to terms with the past history of racial injustices, these problems of the justice system will continue to plague our society for years to come.
6. Arianna Huffington: How to Succeed? Get More Sleep
One of the shortest Ted Talks out there, this talk focuses on something that most people do not get enough of: sleep. Huffington stresses how staying up all night to work on projects might generate praise that could earn you a promotion in the short- term. However, in the long run, your health, wellness, and overall happiness will be compromised by these all nighters.
7. J.K. Rowling: The Fringe Benefits of Failure
One of the most famous and beloved authors of all time, Rowling highlights the importance of not getting torn apart by your failures in this 2005 Harvard commencement speech featured on the TED website. Even the most successful people, like Rowling, have failed before. This shows that as long as you learn from your failures and change the way you do something next time, you will soon find success. Next time you feel down and lost in your failures, watch this powerful talk to pick you up.
