Talks to inspire you
I am all about thought-provoking quotes and contrite sayings. My Instagram feed is full of them. Something about them can often inspire you for the rest of the day.
But sometimes you need more than just a few words; You need to soak in the wisdom of others. Listening to talks from people outside your own bubble can get you motivated and make you feel encouraged.
That is where TED Talks come in.
For the uninitiated, TED Talks are videos of speakers on subjects such as education, tech, social issues and science.
Many are available on YouTube and are some of the most interesting ideas you will hear.
There are particularly good talks for those of us looking at upgrading our skills and learning new mindsets.
To that end, here are 5 of the best videos you can watch to motivate your mid-life turnaround, or indeed, at any time in life for a boost of inspiration.
Diane Von Furstenberg – Design your life
The inventor of the wrap dress, award-winning clothes designer, Diane von Furstenberg has often spoken of the inspiration her mother has been.
In her TED Talk ‘Design Your Life’ Diane discusses her Mother’s time as a prisoner in Auschwitz and how those experiences shaped her.
Caroline McHugh – The Art of Being Yourself
As one of the founders of IDology, Caroline McHugh is a passionate and encouraging speaker. She has developed a movement whose sole purpose is to help individuals and organisations become the best versions of themselves.
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Brené Brown – The Power of Vulnerability
Dr Brené Brown is a well-known author, keynote speaker, as well as a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.
This talk is taken from her #1 New York Times bestselling book, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.
Mel Robbins – Setting Your Goals High
Motivational speaker and TV host Mel Robbins discusses goal setting and asking yourself the hard questions.
What is it that you really want?
Nandita Puri – The Importance of Having a Plan B
In this talk Journalist and author, Nandita Puri explains the importance of being flexible when it comes to our plans.
While not technically a TED talk, as it was independently organised, the message remains important.
Over to you
Do you have an important message to share with the world? Have you considered joining local speaking clubs to develop your public speaking skills and build a platform on which to build a successful speaking career? Is there a Toastmasters club near you? Many are currently meeting via Zoom, and would not have to be local.
I recently attended a Toastmasters meeting in Osaka, Japan via Zoom, and have now organised an International meet-up with my own Bristol-based group. You never know where public speaking will lead you!