TED stands for: Technology, Entertainment and Design. 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. The TED organisation believes passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.
I love TED talks. I have literally listened to dozens of them. Here are my top 5 reasons why you should love TED talks too:
1) They are free and easy to access
TED talks cost you nothing (other than18 mins). You can watch them on your laptop or phone. Do a simple google search for your topic of interest and ‘TED talk’ or browse the TED website or youtube channel. It’s all free.
2) They cover vast areas of knowledge and include leading thinkers
There are TED talks covering almost every concievable topic. From: atoms, bread baking, confidence right through to zero waste. If your interested in it I’m sure there’s a TED talk about it. These talks are really good. The presentations are by people who know their stuff. TED speakers you may have heard of: Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, Elizabeth Gilbert, Jamie Oliver, Richard Branson and many more..
3)They are inspiring
TED talks open your mind and get you really thinking, sometimes talking and occassionally acting. I credit Simon Sineks TED talk ‘How great leaders inspire action’ for inspiring me to leave the NHS and start Synergy Now.
I have listened to talks on neuroscience, disability sport, autism, inclusion, goal setting, cutting edge equipment and more. I’ve got the most out of this listening by reflecting, discussing and taking action. You can make TED talks part of your CPD to.
