TED Talks are a fantastic resource for students, offering various topics that can inspire, inform, and spark critical thinking. 

Here are the top 9 ted talks for students to gain motivation.

1. “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown

Brené Brown deftly explains the idea of vulnerability and how it may transform interpersonal relationships and personal development in her book “The Power of Vulnerability.”

Brown emphasizes that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather the cornerstone of genuine and meaningful connections as she describes her path of embracing vulnerability. 

She emphasizes how vulnerability develops empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging, urging people to accept their flaws and see their vulnerability as a source of strength. 

Brown motivates listeners to embrace vulnerability and live passionately through compelling storytelling and perceptive research, enabling them to understand themselves better and forge more meaningful relationships with others.

2. Inside The Mind Of A Master Procrastinator” by Tim Urban

Tim Urban, a funny and approachable speaker, explores the mind of a chronic procrastinator in “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator,” shedding light on the humorous but frequently harmful habits of putting off critical chores. 

He introduces the “Instant Gratification Monkey,” a humorous illustration of the propensity to put short-term pleasures ahead of long-term objectives, and the “Panic Monster,” which symbolizes the force that finally motivates us to take action as deadlines approach. Urban underlines the necessity to manage procrastination by recognizing these dynamics and taking control of our time and priorities by hilariously examining the internal conflict between these characters. 

Ultimately, he promotes a balanced strategy that recognizes our propensity to put things off while motivating us to break the habit and realize our goals.

3. “The Puzzle of Motivation” by Dan Pink

Dan Pink proposes a novel viewpoint that goes beyond typical reward-based systems in his book “The Puzzle of Motivation,” which questions established ideas about motivation. He introduces the idea that the real sources of motivation in the modern world are autonomy, mastery, and purpose. 

According to Pink, giving employees the freedom to manage their work, the chance to develop their abilities, and a feeling of purpose in their contributions is essential for achieving higher levels of performance and pleasure. 

He demonstrates how this intrinsic motivation promotes innovation, engagement, and long-term success, which challenges businesses and people to reconsider how they motivate others.

4. “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are” by Amy Cuddy

Amy Cuddy writes in her book, “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are,” about the enormous influence that body language may have on how we perceive ourselves and connect with others. 

Cuddy examines the idea of “power posing,” which is adopting open, wide postures to increase self-assurance and lessen stress. She illustrates how these power poses can change hormone levels, boosting sentiments of confidence and assertiveness through interesting studies and research. 

Cuddy encourages the audience to use body language to control their attitudes and outcomes, stressing that even subtle adjustments to posture can greatly impact how we and others see us. This can help us face challenges with more authenticity and confidence.

5. “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen” by Julian Treasure

In his TED Talk, “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen,” Julian Treasure shares insightful advice on communicating effectively. He provides seven crucial strategies to help us speak more effectively and persuasively. 

Treasure says speaking with honesty, authenticity, and clarity is essential. To engage listeners, he advises using metaphors, comedy, and the power of storytelling. Treasure also talks about the value of vocal variety, pitch, and tempo in effectively communicating a message. 

Individuals can enhance their communication and establish deeper, more effective connections with others by being adept at these skills.

6. “How to Make Stress Your Friend” by Kelly McGonigal

In her TED Talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend,” Kelly McGonigal challenges the widespread misconception about stress and calls for reconsidering its function in our lives. 

Research presented by McGonigal suggests that stress perception can be more destructive to health than actual stress. She promotes a mentality change that accepts stress as a normal reaction to difficulties, one that might improve performance and resilience. 

 

McGonigal introduces the idea that our attitudes about stress impact how our bodies react to it, emphasizing the significance of having a positive outlook on stress. She contends that by redefining stress as a catalyst for courage and connection, we can better handle life’s challenges and, in the end, enjoy more fulfilled lives.

7. “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness” by Robert Waldinger

In “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness,” Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist and the director of a 75-year-long study on adult development, shares profound insights into the keys to a fulfilling life. 

He asserts that the most important aspect influencing pleasure and well-being is the caliber of our interactions. The results of the study stress that our health, longevity, and general level of life happiness are directly influenced by the warmth and depth of our connections, including those with family, friends, and partners. 

Waldinger exhorts us to value and cherish meaningful connections, the cornerstones of a truly good and content existence. This lecture serves as a reminder for students to put effort into developing solid, sincere relationships because these connections can have a long-lasting and beneficial impact on their lives.

8. “Do schools kill creativity?” By Sir Ken Robinson

On “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” Sir Ken Robinson offers an insightful criticism of the effects of the current educational system on creativity. He contends that conventional educational paradigms fail to foster individual abilities and imagination and discourage innovation. 

Robinson is a fervent proponent of an educational revolution, calling for a paradigm shift to put creativity and divergent thinking at the center of education. To equip pupils with the necessary skills for the unforeseeable problems of the future, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity. 

Robinson upends the status quo and emphasizes the significance of building an environment where creativity can flourish through interesting anecdotes and humor, ultimately helping to create a more innovative and dynamic society.

9. How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek proposes the idea of the Golden Circle in his book “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” highlighting the significance of beginning with “why” before going on to “how” and “what.” 

According to Sinek, effective communicators and organizations start with a clear grasp of their mission, beliefs, and values (their “why”), which then connects with their audience. They elicit action and adherence by appealing to the emotional and primitive parts of the brain. 

To demonstrate how this strategy may elevate a message from just utilitarian to profoundly meaningful, Sinek utilizes examples from the actual world, including Apple and Martin Luther King Jr.