For years, I’ve been listening to almost every TED Talk on my iPhone as a podcast (audio version for other players here). Besides all the business, marketing and lifestyle podcasts I usually listen to, this is a welcome change. Not only are the talks entertaining, but more importantly they give me new perspectives and ideas.
I find it so incredibly important to not only deal with the same topic all day, but to get inspired in completely different areas besides online business. And that’s exactly what TED Talks are ideal for!
For those who don’t know, TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Under the motto “TED – Ideas worth spreading”, the non-profit organization gives people the opportunity to share their ideas with a global audience. This happens at TED and TEDx conferences all over the world. The result is an archive of thousands of videos containing inspirational speeches.
Of the several hundred talks I’ve heard over the years, I’d like to share my 10 favourites with you. I’m curious to know which is your favourite talk.
Diana Nyad: Never, ever give up
My personal favourite among all the great Ted Talks comes from Diana Nyad from 2009. At the age of 64 she managed to swim the 100 miles between Florida and Cuba after four failed attempts. A great story with lots of emotion and learning that sticks.
Taiye Selasi: Don’t ask me where I’m from, ask me where I’m local
Do you sometimes not know exactly how to answer the question “Where are you from?”? This talk is for all multi-locals who don’t feel they belong to just one country. Taiye Selasi also talks about the danger of judging people by their origin.
Tony Robbins: Why we do what we do
Life coach and best-selling author Tony Robbins talks in a 2006 Ted Talk about the invisible force that is our inner drive. As in his well-known seminars, the focus is not directly on a solution, but on asking the right questions.
Ken Robinson: How schools kill creativity
Sir Ken Robinson criticizes the existing education system in a humorous way and at the same time makes suggestions for a better system that promotes creativity instead of stopping it. A great speech that makes you think about the focus of our education system.
Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action
In this talk from 2009, the author of the book “Start with why”, Simon Sinek, asks the simple question of the “why” that drives great personalities and leaders to their extraordinary achievements.
Salman Khan: Let’s use video to reinvent education
Salman Khan worked as a hedge fund analyst before launching the Khan Academy learning platform in 2004, rather by accident. In this Ted Talk from 2009, he not only talks about how and why, but also acts as an ambassador for better learning in collaboration with existing schools.
Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone?
In 2012, Sherry Turkle takes a critical look at technological developments regarding our connectivity with each other. New devices and online personas make it increasingly easy to network and stay in touch. But what kind of connections are we gaining as a result?
Jason Fried: Why work doesn’t happen at work
At TEDxMidwest in 2012, Jason Fried, co-founder of the project management tool Basecamp, talks about the conventional idea of work. Is the office a good place to work, or are there other solutions for many companies? In his talk, Jason Fried discusses long overdue alternatives.
Clint Smith: The danger of silence
In a mix of poem and rap, poet Clint Smith shows how dangerous it can be to look away and remain silent. In many metaphors, he shakes us awake in the short but emotional speech and calls on us to open our eyes and raise our voices.
Tim Ferriss: Smash fear, learn anything
In 2008, the author of the “4-Hour Workweek” talks about leaving the comfort zone and pursuing our goals. The question of “what is the worst that could happen” is on the agenda. With stories from his own life, Tim Ferriss shows how he overcame fears.
And 3 more talks that get under your skin
Actually, there should only be 10, but I just couldn’t keep the last 3 talks from you. A list like this wouldn’t be complete without one of the most inspiring speeches of all time. I’m talking about Steve Jobs with his speech to university graduates.
Steve Jobs: How to live before you die
Exaggeratedly, one of the most famous speeches of all time. Steve Jobs speaks to the graduating class of Stanford University in 2005 about dreams, possibilities and impermanence. In the face of his approaching death due to cancer, the Apple founder’s speech takes on a very inspiring perspective.
I also want to show you two more talks by young teenagers. At 12 and 13 years old respectively, these two boys have already achieved amazing things – following their own interests and starting to take control of their lives at an early age.
Thomas Suarez: A 12-year-old app developer
Thomas is a 12-year-old boy who likes to play video games. Nothing unusual as far as that goes. But what makes him different from other kids his age is that he started developing apps himself. He taught himself everything and started teaching other children. Learning here: if he can develop an iPhone app, then you can learn everything you need for your online business.
Logan LaPlante: Hackschooling makes me happy
When you see Logan standing on stage, it’s hard to believe that the boy is only 13 years old. In his very authentic speech, he talks about what really matters in life and how he takes his education into his own hands. How much of the speech he wrote himself remains open. The fact is that it is a very inspiring talk.
Now it’s your turn. Which TED Talk is your favourite?
