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TED Talks are a gold mine of inspiration and learning. Watching them will challenge your assumptions, inspire new ideas, and help you cultivate new thinking habits.
They are instrumental in unlocking the world around you and viewing it differently.
From talks on power, vulnerability, importance of grit, there are countless TED Talks out there that can help you succeed.
So where should you start?
We’ve highlighted the top TED Talks for high school students looking to develop a growth mindset.
We will also provide tips for finding relevant talks on every subject.
5 benefits of watching TED Talks as part of your learning
Learning new concepts is an essential part of your education journey. And while attending tech programs or joining business camps are fantastic opportunities, we’ve found that what you consume shapes who you are.
That is why we recommend watching TED Talks. Not only are they fascinating and thought-provoking, but they also help improve your listening and critical thinking skills.
Plus, who wouldn’t want to be inspired by some of the world’s most brilliant minds?
But first, let’s talk about why watching these talks is so valuable in your learning journey.
Inspiration -TED Talks inspire your creativity and motivation.
New perspective - They give you new ways of thinking, helping you develop growth and open-mindedness.
Learning opportunities - They cover a wide range of topics from science, technology, social issues and personal development. By watching TED Talks you can learn about new subjects and expand your knowledge base.
Personal Growth - They can also help you develop as a person by providing insights on how to build resilience, develop leadership skills and improve communication.
FlexibilityThey are available online - so you can watch them anytime, anywhere. This makes them a convenient way to learn and grow, whether you’re at home, on the bus or taking a break from your studies.
Explore 11 Inspiring Motivating TED Talks to transform your Mind
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of watching TED Talks, let’s jump into inspiring TED talks that can help you.
So where should you start?
We’ve got you covered.
We’ve handpicked 11 TED talks that are truly inspiring and motivating.
1. Peter Singer: The why and how of effective altruism
Peter Singer explains the concept of effective altruism: It’s all about using your resources to help others in the most effective way possible.
“Effective altruism is not about giving up everything for others; it’s about using what we have to make a meaningful difference in the world.”
2. Adam Grant: Are you a giver or a taker?
Adam Grant discusses the importance of giving in the workplace and how being a “giver” can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
“The most successful people in the world are givers, not takers.”
3. Margaret Heffernan: Forget the pecking order at work
Margaret Heffernan argues that the traditional hierarchy in the workplace is outdated. Instead, she recommends creating a more collaborative and inclusive culture.
“The more we connect with one another, the more we make ourselves vulnerable, the more human and real we become, and the more capable of building trust and lasting relationships.”
4. Jonathan Haidt: The moral roots of liberals and conservatives
This TED Talk explores the moral foundations of liberals and conservatives. Why do they differ drastically in their political views?
"Morality binds and blinds. It binds us into ideological teams that fight each other as though the fate of the world depended on our side winning each battle. It blinds us to the fact that each team is composed of good people who have something important to say."
5. Thomas Suarez - A 12-year-old app developer
This 12-year-old app developer is not only a programmer but a skilled speaker who captures his audience's attention.
"Kids can be great at technology because they’re not afraid to try new things and experiment."
6. Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action
Author of best-seller “Infinite Games,” Sinek explains how great leaders inspire action by focusing on the “why” instead of the “what” or “how.”
“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
“Great leaders are those who are able to inspire others to act, not by telling them what to do, but by appealing to their sense of purpose and meaning.”
7. Dan Pink: The puzzle of motivation
If you’ve ever wondered what motivates people you look up to, this talk is for you. Dan Pink explores the science of motivation. He shares insight on how to foster greater intrinsic motivation in yourself and others.
“When people have autonomy over their work, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated.”
8. Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of a single story
A single story can create stereotypes and misconceptions about individuals. This leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Chimamanda Adichie encourages people to seek multiple perspectives and broaden their understanding of the world.
“When we reject the single story, when we realize that there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise.”
9. Caroline McHugh - The art of being yourself
This TED Talk talks about the importance of authenticity and how to embrace your uniqueness in a world that often pressures people to conform. Caroline McHugh encourages people to be true to themselves and to embrace their individuality.
"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."
"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen."
10. Julian Treasure - How to speak so that people want to listen
Want to speak in a way that captures people’s attention and keeps them engaged? Julian Treasure shares tips on how to use your voice effectively, how to structure your message, and how to convey emotions through your speech.
“We teach children how to read and write, but not how to speak.”
11. Angela Lee - The power of passion and perseverance
Angela Lee discusses the importance of grit, which is the combination of passion and perseverance, in achieving long-term goals. She emphasizes that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow, and encourages people to develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges.
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
These are our favorite TED Talks for teens, but there are thousands more. Now it’s your turn, give them a listen and let us know which ones resonate with you the most. And let us know any favorite TED Talk that we missed.
We would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.
Tips to finding interesting and relevant TED Talks
If you are looking for a way to deepen your knowledge about a specific topic, look no further than TED playlists.
These curated collections of talks are a treasure trove of knowledge. Arranged by themes like science, technology, languages, communication or motivation making them the perfect way to explore your interests in a more focused and comprehensive way.
TED Talks have amassed a great following owing to their intellectually stimulating content. With social media, following TED Talks is now even easier. You get access to a wealth of information that can provide inspiration.
You also get notified of new, upcoming talks, making it easier for you to keep track of TED events, dates and times. You might even find a TED Talk event near you.
Want to take things up a notch?
Try viewing TEDx events recorded in other countries. These events bring people from diverse fields to share their insights and ideas in a dynamic and thought-provoking way.
You have an opportunity to enrich your cultural perspective and expand your knowledge base. The wealth of information available at your fingertips is waiting to be discovered.
The end?
Hardly. These TED Talks are just the beginning. These talks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wealth of knowledge and inspiration available. TED Talks are a good reminder that you have the power to make a difference, no matter how small. And that every positive action can have a ripple effect on you and the people around you.