Stop what you’re doing and listen.
Founded on the premise of “ideas worth spreading”, TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment, Design) have become a household name sparking conversations, surfacing world-leading research and sharing ‘a-ha’ moments across the globe. In more simpler terms, they’re presentations that can change your life.
You’ve all heard of motivational speakers, right? Well TED Talks work in a similar way. Dating as far back as 1984, TED Talks are produced by professionals in their field covering a multitude of topics and often derived from the latest research, studies or personal experiences. Depending on where you’re at in your life, or what’s currently plaguing your situation, you can bet that the catalyst for change could very well rest in a three minute or a 30 minute TED Talk.
Whether we’ve piqued your curiosity, in search of answers, concerned about politics, or simply need some perspective, you can tap every endeavour with a series of insights from a complete stranger (that knows what they’re talking about). And since they’re free to access, you’ve got nothing to lose.
Scroll below for our recommended TED Talks:
How to Make Stress Your Friend | Kelly McGonigal
Mood: If you’re feeling stressed or feeling the weight of life’s pressures.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
Why 30 Is Not the New 20 | Meg Jay
Mood: When you need to make a change, a reality check or basic perspective to keep you on track.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
What you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s | Lisa Genova
FQ pick: “What I didn’t realise going into this TED Talk was how many powerful messages there are for everyone, not just people predisposed to the disease, on what we can be doing to age better and engage in self-care that can be the make or break our health down the line. It’s definitely a gentle wake up call.” —Terri Dunn, digital content producer.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
How Great Leaders Inspire Action | Simon Sinek
Mood: When you want to inspire action in your workplace or are feeling entrepreneurial.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
The Happy Secret to Better Work | Shawn Achor
Mood: When you need a good laugh or if you’re over your job/current circumstances.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
The Power of Introverts | Susan Cain
FQ Pick: “Often it’s the loudest person at the table who is heard, but in this talk by Susan Cain, she argues that if you stop and take the time to listen to introverts, they will likely have something powerful and worthwhile to say.” —Kelly McAuliffe, digital editor.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are | Amy Cuddy
Mood: You need a confidence boost – stat.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
Why We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid | Guy Winch
Problem: You can’t seem to get a grip on your emotions or you’re in denial about what’s actually causing you to feel the way you do.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick
Problem: You have trouble sticking to a decision, a pursuit, or a passion even though it was terribly motivating at the start.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
In Search of the Man Who Broke My Neck | Joshua Prager
Problem: When there’s someone and/or something you need to let go of and forgive (including yourself).
Watch the full TED Talk here.
Growing Through Cancer | Rebecca Wadey
FQ pick: “I’ve known Rebecca personally through our work in the fashion industry and although I knew a bit of her story, it was powerful to hear her speak about her experience getting breast cancer at 26. I am always inspired by people that speak in real terms about dealing with challenging experiences and taking positive paths out of it without glossing over how hard that can be to do.” —Megan Bedford, beauty editor.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
What’s the Secret to Living Longer? | Elizabeth Blackburn
Problem: You’re fed up with buying products to defy aging.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
Remember to Say Thank You | Laura Trice
Mood: When you need a quick simple tool to be happier or you’re the type of person who can’t take a compliment.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
The Magic of Not Giving a F**k | Sarah Knight
FQ Pick: “Sarah Knight’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck is long overdue on my reading list, I’ve always found it hard to say no – sometimes resulting in me ending up in situations I don’t really want to be in, but am there to keep someone else happy. Her TED talk breaks down her key methods for using your time in a way that actually suits you.” —Danielle Clausen, fashion editor.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
What Would Happen If We Didn’t Sleep | Claudia Aguirre
Mood: If you’ve been having too many late nights and not prioritising sleep.
Watch the full TED Talk here.
