One of the OFS Smart Repair Team’s absolute favourite sources of inspiration is the incredible platform that is TED.com. Through the years we have been moved and enthralled by brilliant speakers such as Ken Robinson, Amy Cuddy and Benjamin Zander with talks ranging from creativity and body language to classical music and vulnerability.
Being such huge fans of TED, we were very honored when our very own Jeani Meyer was invited by local TEDx curators Bonginkosi Leeuw, Lerothodi Molete and Tony Peng to speak at the TEDx Bloemfontein launch.
Listening to innovative, inventive and original talks at the TEDx Bloemfontein event just made us realise again that inspiration is around every corner and there truly are an abundance of ideas worth spreading.
As they say, knowledge is power – or also, in this case, success, longevity, and happiness. So in honour of the very exciting launch of TEDx Bloemfontein, we thought it quite apt to share with you our absolute favourite TED talks thus far. Without further ado, here are..
Our TOP 5 Favourite TED Talks
#1 Do Schools kill creativity?
Ken Robinson • Author/educator
Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.
#2 The transformative power of Classical Music
Benjamin Zander • Conductor
A leading interpreter of Mahler and Beethoven, Benjamin Zander is known for his charisma and unyielding energy — and for his brilliant pre-concert talks. Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it — and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities, new experiences, new connections.
#3 Your body language shapes who you are
Amy Cuddy • Social Psychologist
Amy Cuddy’s research on body language reveals that we can change other people’s perceptions — and even our own body chemistry — simply by changing body positions.
Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
#4 The power of vulnerability
Brené Brown • Vulnerability researcher
Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.
#5 How to speak so that people want to listen
Julian Treasure • Sound consultant
Julian Treasure studies sound and advises businesses on how best to use it. Have you ever felt like you’re talking, but nobody is listening? Here’s Julian Treasure to help. In this useful talk, the sound expert demonstrates the how-to’s of powerful speaking — from some handy vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy. A talk that might help the world sound more beautiful.
Sources: TED.com
*TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.