My 'TED Talk' Toolkit
- Paul Baker
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Updated: May 8
Do you take time to listen to or watch TED Talks? If not, you might be missing out on an opportunity for personal development. I’m a big fan of podcasts and YouTube videos, but TED Talks offer something unique. Their simple yet powerful format delivers incredible insights, personal stories, and—at times—genuinely life-changing ideas.
The TED Conference is a US/Canadian initiative which began in 1984 as a technology conference and has now grown to encompass all topics and presents speakers in over 100 languages. It has been curated by a British/American businessman since 2019 and by 2011, their viewing figures exceeded 500 million.
TED’s slogan, “Ideas Change Everything,” captures its essence. Their mission is to “discover and spread ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding, and drive meaningful change.” Inspiring, right? But do all TED Talks achieve this? Thankfully, the answer is many do, and even those that don’t resonate with me might be profoundly meaningful to someone else.
What Are TED Talks?
If you’re new to TED Talks, let me introduce you to what you’ve been missing. TED Talks are short, engaging presentations delivered in front of a live audience and made available on YouTube and podcasts. These talks feature speakers who challenge conventional wisdom and introduce fresh perspectives on a wide range of topics. They usually lack elaborate stagecraft or special effects—just an expert, an idea, and an audience. The most compelling ones reframe familiar concepts or share deeply personal experiences.
Speakers include politicians, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, all sharing ideas that shape the world. The topics? Virtually endless. From psychology, leadership, and personal development to mental health, AI, social change, and the environment, TED Talks offer something for everyone.
Where to Start: My Recommendations
With so many TED Talks available, finding the right ones can be overwhelming. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Brené Brown – “The Power of Vulnerability”
Viewed over 22 million times, this talk will change the way you think about vulnerability, courage, and human connection. Brown’s insights challenge us to embrace vulnerability rather than fear it, offering a new perspective on personal and professional growth.
Sir Ken Robinson – “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”
One of the most-watched TED Talks ever, this presentation humorously yet powerfully critiques our education system, arguing that it stifles creativity rather than nurtures it.
Dan Pink – “The Puzzle of Motivation”
An eye-opening discussion on what really drives us, Dan Pink explains why traditional rewards aren’t always the best motivators—a must-watch for leaders and managers.
Derek Sivers – “How to Start a Movement”
A short but brilliant talk on leadership, influence, and social change, using a hilarious example of a lone dancer who inspires a crowd.
Benjamin Zander – “Work (How to Give an A)”
A fascinating and uplifting talk where Zander, a world-renowned conductor, gives all his students an “A” from the start—leading to remarkable transformations in mindset and performance.
I’d also recommend the highly amusing, ‘My Year of Living Biblically’, Most of these are somewhat dated but are a good place to begin.
A Personal Journey of Discovery
My interest in TED Talks gathered speed during the Museum Resilient Leadership programme when all participants were focused on personal and professional development and actively seeking books and videos to introduce us to new ways of thinking.
The beauty of TED Talks is that once you start exploring, your interests will guide you. Friends will recommend talks, leading you to unexpected and thought-provoking ideas. Recently, someone suggested James Acaster’s comedy take on leadership—not a TED Talk, but an insightful and hilarious reflection on what it really means to lead. You may onlso enjoy his take on the ongoing ownership debate at the British Museum. Another talk that resonated with me is Guy Winch’s “How to Fix a Broken Heart,” an exploration of emotional resilience and healing.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to talks on men’s mental health, including:
Henry Nelson Case – “Breaking the Silence: Why Men Need to Talk About Their Mental Health”
Andrew Solomon – “Depression: The Secret We Share”
These talks shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and open discussions—a topic that deserves more attention.
Your Own TED Talk Journey
But enough about my favourites—what about yours? Your interests might take you toward ancient history, astrophysics, climate change, or creative storytelling. Whatever excites you, there’s a TED Talk waiting to expand your perspective.
I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to send me some of your Ted Talk discoveries which I’m sure will change the way I think.
If this journey inspires you to seek further personal or professional growth, consider mentoring. Sometimes, we need targeted guidance beyond self-exploration. If that sounds like you, I’d be happy to help.
Start your TED Talk journey today—you might just discover an idea that changes everything.
Paul Baker
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