TED Talks are a series of short, powerful talks that cover a wide range of topics, from technology and science to business and design. An absolute blessing if your child has a short attention span. These talks are not only informative, but also inspiring and thought-provoking. For teens, watching TED Talks can be an excellent way to learn about new ideas, gain new perspectives, and be exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking. In this article, we will explore the benefits of TED Talks for teens and a list of eight of the best TED Talks for them to watch.
Benefits of TED Talks for Teens
Expanding Horizons TED Talks can help teens expand their horizons by exposing them to new ideas and perspectives. They can learn about different cultures, ways of life, and ways of thinking. This can help them become more open-minded and understanding of others.
Building Critical Thinking Skills TED Talks can also help teens build their critical thinking skills. They can encourage teens to question what they hear, analyze different perspectives and come up with their own conclusions. This can help them develop their ability to think critically and make informed decisions.
Encouraging Creativity TED Talks can also be an excellent tool for encouraging creativity. They can inspire teens to think outside the box and to explore new possibilities. They can also help teens find new ways of looking at the world and overcome creative blocks. Search by topic, speaker, most viewed or length (some are as short as 6 minutes!). There’s also a wide variety of teen speakers, so great role models for your teen to identify with thought leaders of their own age.
Motivating to take Action TED Talks can also be a great motivator for teens to take action. They can inspire teens to pursue their passions and to make a difference in their communities. By listening to the stories of successful individuals who have faced challenges and overcome them, teens can be motivated to take risks and pursue their own aspirations.
Improving Communication Skills TED Talks can also help teens improve their communication skills. They can learn how to convey their ideas and thoughts clearly and persuasively. This can help them become more confident speakers and better communicators.
Top 8 Best TED Talks for Teens
1. "Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator" by Tim Urban In this TED Talk, Tim Urban shares his personal journey with procrastination and provides insights into the mind of a master procrastinator. He explains how the brain's "Instant Gratification Monkey" and "Panic Monster" can drive procrastination, and provides strategies for overcoming it.
2. "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown
In this TED Talk, Brené Brown explores the importance of vulnerability in our lives. She shares her research on shame and vulnerability, and how embracing vulnerability can lead to greater connection and fulfilment.
3. "The Surprising Science of Happiness" by Dan Gilbert
In this TED Talk, Dan Gilbert explores the science of happiness and how our brains perceive and respond to it. He shares research on how we can find happiness in unexpected places and how to cultivate it in our lives.
4. "The Power of Introverts" by Susan Cain
In this TED Talk, Susan Cain explores the power of introverts and the unique strengths they can bring to the world. She encourages society to embrace and value the strengths of introverts and to create a more inclusive environment for them.
5. "The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In this TED Talk, novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares her thoughts on the importance of understanding and embracing different perspectives and cultures. She emphasizes the importance of hearing multiple stories to have a more complex understanding of the world.
6. How to Make Stress Your Friend" by Kelly McGonigal
In this TED Talk, Kelly McGonigal shares how stress can be beneficial for our physical and mental health. She explains how changing our perspective on stress and learning to use it to our advantage can lead to better outcomes.
7. "The Power of Passion" by Angela Lee Duckworth
In this TED Talk, Angela Lee Duckworth shares her research on grit and the power of passion in achieving success. She encourages the audience to find their passion and to use it as a motivator to reach their goals
8. "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek
In this TED Talk, Simon Sinek explores the concept of "The Golden Circle" and how great leaders inspire action by communicating their message in a way that speaks to people's emotions and values. He provides examples of leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs, who were able to inspire their followers by creating a sense of purpose.
Try something new for 30 days: https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days
Inspiring ways for your teen to stand out from others
If you’d like to know how your teen can build their character, develop skills, stand out from others and improve their chances of success at interviews, all while doing things they enjoy, read our suggestions in The Parents’ Guide to Standing out from the crowd. It includes sections on:
Self-development and increasing confidence;
Getting work experience (including virtual placements);
Benefits of research and how to take a different approach;
How different hobbies impact mental and physical health;
Which hobbies hone different transferrable skills
Recommendations for non-curricular online courses
We always love to hear from you, so do let us know if there are any subjects you’d like us to chat to you about. Stay safe and keep happy, Vanessa and Darius - info@theparentsguideto.co.uk
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