When you’re feeling down, unsure, or just looking for some inspiration, submerging yourself in the words and wisdom of others can help. Here are some TED talks that are sure to get your gears moving, thoughts brewing, and maybe even ignite a flame of change:
“YOUR BODY LANGUAGE SHAPES WHO YOU ARE”
In this talk, social psychologist Amy Cuddy speaks about how our body language speaks for itself- and is often times more powerful than actual words. This is a great talk to listen to before a job interview, presentation, or even a date. Understanding how your signals are perceived by others is the first step to making a great first impression. In the words of Amy Cuddy- confidence is all about “faking it until you make it”.
“BRING ON THE FEMALE SUPERHEROES!”
In this bittersweet talk about the absence of female superheroes, Christopher Bell speaks about how even his amazing, talented, and confident daughter is damaged by a lack of female role models. This call to action will force you to reconsider superhero consumerism, and help you become more critical of the media we so often digest without thought.
“THE DANGER OF A SINGLE STORY”
You know this is a good one if even Beyonce had to use it. This powerful message, brought to you by writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, addresses the repercussions of placing people in a predetermined box based on gender, nationality, race, etc. If you like this one, also check out “What does my headscarf mean to you?” by Yassmin Abdel-Magied- another woman challenging preconceptions, and proving there is more to a woman than what you can see.
“WHY WOMEN SHOULD TELL THE STORIES OF HUMANITY”
Jude Kelly, a theater director from Britain, discusses how humanity is told through the voices of men, while the stories of women are seen as just that- stories for women. She raises the question: why are men’s experiences taken as truth- as the “human experience”- and women’s experiences are belittled or erased. Her talk highlights how including women’s perspectives in the narration of the human experience does not require erasing the experiences of men, but rather equal representation and respect when it comes to sharing such stories.
“WHAT WILL YOU TELL YOUR DAUGHTERS ABOUT 2016?”
Chinaka Hodge delivers a powerful spoken word piece that will send chills down your spine and bring tears to your eyes. She will bring your attention to an empty hole in your stomach, and fill it with hope of the future- but only if we are aware, accountable, and aspiring to make tomorrow better than yesterday.
Did you find these talks helpful? Share them with your vinas, and post a link to YOUR fave TED talk in the comments!
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