TED is a non-profit organization with the mission of spreading ideas.
We have all heard TED talks at some point in time and they rarely fail to inspire us.
These talks are short and powerful at the same time.
TED believes that there is no greater force for changing the world than a powerful idea.
Here are 4 amazing TED Talks which are also among the most popular TED Talks of all time-
1) ‘Do schools kill creativity’ by Ken Robinson
Sir Ken Robinson in his talk describes an episode of a little girl who is busy drawing something.
When her teacher walks over to her, she says that she is a drawing a picture of God.
Her teacher argues that no one has ever seen God. The kid says, ‘They will, in a minute’.
That is the power of creativity.
In this entertaining talk, Sir Ken Robinson makes a case for promoting an educational system in which creativity is nurtured, a system in which creativity is as important as literacy, where arts is as important as mathematics.
This talk, which challenges the way kids are educated is thought-provoking and entertaining at the same time.
2) ‘How great leaders inspire action’ by Simon Sinek
Mr. Simon Sinek is a leadership expert and in this talk, he shares the idea of a golden circle which is about a common thought process of all great leaders.
“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do what you do”
In this talk, through examples of Apple and the Wright brothers, Mr. Simon Sinek shares the idea of making people believe in what you believe.
According to him, a team which believes in the cause of the company and its leadership is more productive.
“There are leaders and there are those who lead”
Leaders are the ones who inspire action, not the ones who hold a position of authority.
And those who inspire action, have a team which believes in them and this team can do wonders.
3) ‘How to speak so that people want to listen’ by Julian Treasure
Mr Julian Treasure explains about the seven deadly sins of speaking.
These should be avoided, else people will start losing interest in what you speak.
The seven deadly sins are gossip, judging, negativity, complaining, excuses, lying and dogmatism.
Mr Treasure says that one must follow the principle of HAIL – honest, authenticity, integrity and love in his/her speech.
HAIL ensures that people listen to you with patience and hence believe what you say.
He believes that this is an extremely powerful method and can work wonders.
4) ‘What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness’ by Robert Waldinger
Mr Robert Waldinger is the 4th director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development which is the longest study on what actually keeps people happy and healthy.
In this talk, Mr Waldinger tells us that the conclusion of the 75 year long study is that relationships and their quality keep people healthy and happy.
People who are better connected socially tend to live long and happy lives and are physically healthy too.
On the contrary, people who are more isolated than they want to be find that they are less happy.
“The message that good close relationships are good for our health and well being is wisdom as old as the hills”
5. THE PUZZLE OF MOTIVATION BY DAN PINK
In this wonderful talk, Dan Pink reveals something that company managers don’t realize. Traditional rewards are not as effective as we think they are. When dealing with a problem, people who are offered money or prizes are not as efficient as the people who genuinely like what they are doing. When offered rewards, we have our eyes on the prize and no on the problem.
6. THE POWER OF VULNERABILITY BY BRENE BROWN
Brene Brown is a Researcher-Storyteller. After being a social worker for years, she presents what she came across in her research that changed her life. She speaks about vulnerability and shame.
Brene tells us that our sense of worthiness affects a lot of the things we do. For example, when asked about love, people talk about heartbreak when they think that they are not worthy of love. It will change the way you understand people.
7. 10 WAYS TO HAVE A BETTER CONVERSATION BY CELESTE HEADLEE
Conversations are very important for humans. The way we talk can make or break us. They affect us on a personal as well as professional front. This talk is very helpful for sharpening your conversational skills.
Celeste Headlee tells us the 10 important elements of having good and meaningful conversations. It does make you realise how situations in your life would have been different, had you spoken in a different way. As she says, “Go out, talk to people, listen to people, and, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed.”
8. WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO BY TONY ROBBINS
As the name suggests, this talk is about what inspires our actions. Tony Robbins says that there are six human needs that drive us to do whatever we do. In what order one prioritises the six needs varies from individual to individual.
These needs are certainty, significance, variety, love/connection, growth and contribution. Our urge to satisfy these needs is the ultimate driving force behind our actions. This is one of the earliest and most watched Ted Talks of all time.
9. A POLICE CHIEF WITH A DIFFERENCE BY KIRAN BEDI
Kiran Bedi talks about what it was like being a police officer in India at a time when it was unusual for women to even get an education. She starts off by explaining the philosophies she grew up with.
We learn how Kiran Bedi practically redefined the way the Indian police system worked. Under her supervision, an Indian prime minister was given a parking ticket for the first time.
Since Indian ministers are accustomed to privilege, this did not sit well with her seniors. She was sent to manage a tough prison. She managed to bring about change there too, she transformed the prison into an educational prison. The talk is highly inspiring.
10. MY PHILOSOPHY FOR A HAPPY LIFE BY SAM BERNS
Sam Berns (1996-2014) was a teenager who suffered from the rare disease progeria. This disease causes rapid aging. He shares the three tenants that lead to a happy life.
One, be okay with whatever ultimately you can’t do. There are a lot more things that you can do. Why bother about what is out of your control?
Two, be grateful for the people who are there for you. Surround yourself with the people you actually want to be around.
Three, keep moving on. Always have something to look forward to. Understand that life goes on.
11. HOW TO STOP SCREWING YOURSELF OVER BY MEL ROBBINS
Every millennial needs to watch this life changing ted talk. Relationship and life coach Mel Robbins straightforwardly tells us that we are the ones sabotaging our lives.
“Getting what you want is simple, but not easy” she says. Mel gives simple yet powerful lessons on how you can stop ruining your life. One line that really stuck with me was “You would not hang out with the people that talk to you the way you talk to yourself”
12. THE SURPRISING HABITS OF ORIGINAL THINKERS – ADAM GRANT
This organizational psychologist reveals that what separates original thinkers from other people are their habits. These can be adapted by everyone. These habits are
*Idea doubt
*Vuja de – the opposite of déjà vu
*Fail again, fail better
