If you are like me, you can find yourself looking through the internet for numerous hours in the day. Most days you find yourself at home, going through each social media platform, clicking in and out and repeating three more times. I often find myself in an internet hole, watching makeup tutorials, inspirational videos and 22 things to do before you turn 22 videos, but most importantly, I love watching Ted Talks.
TED (technology, entertainment, and design) has the slogan, "Ideas worth spreading." These talks are from an annual conference that TED puts on. There are talks in just about any topic you can think of. With that said, here are the top four most influential TED Talks I have ever watched.
1. For the Love of Possibility- Liz Murray
Murray went from being homeless to finding herself studying at Harvard University. Murray talks about bettering herself and never being hopeless. She knew she could change her life so she did so. A quote Murray uses from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is something I live by: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about something that matters." Murray talks about her personal struggles with going back to high school at an older age and she speaks with compassion to people who are closest to her that hurt her. Murray teaches that no matter what, you should never give up on your personal goals.
2. Everyday Leadership- Drew Dudley
Dudley talks about everyone having a "lollipop" moment; for me, I've had people be my personal lollipop givers. Teachers who have given me random words of wisdom, people who recommended books that changed my life, guests at work who tell me about their day. Dudley opens your eyes to not take any opportunity for granted and to be thankful for anyone and everything you have come across. I love how she stresses the point of taking the initiative to let people know they've touched your life.
3. The Hidden Power of Smiling - Ron Gutman
Gutman shows all the sides of the theory that smiling is healthy for you. Not only did we learn as kids that frowning uses more muscles in your face, we also learned that smiling is contagious. Gutman goes through a list of ways smiling impacts your health positively. Don't forget to smile at the stranger you see at the grocery store, walking at the park or crossing at the crosswalk.
4. How to Speak So That People Want to Listen - Julian Treasure
Treasure gives a list of things to do while speaking so people will trust and understand you better. In this list, Treasure speaks about abolishing slander, gossip and negativity within your conversations you have with people. When people trust you, it makes it easier to accomplish the task at hand.
With these tips by your side, apply them and you will see the change in reaction people will give you.
