If I’m cooking, walking, working on mundane projects or any other physical task that doesn’t require heaps of concentration, there is a very good chance that I have either a TED Talk or a podcast on to keep me company. I started out with 23 on this ‘favourites’ list. Then decided I had better whittle it down to the absolute must watch talks. Or else you’d be here all day just reading the intros! So without further waffling, here (in no particular order) are my 8 favourite TED Talks.

 

Amy Cuddy – Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

I am fresh off the back of a physio appointment where it was reiterated to me that women are in the habit of making themselves ‘smaller’ in stature. As someone who has noticed a vast difference in my own attitude over the last 24 hours since I’ve become hyper-aware of my posture, I can attest that everything in this TED Talk about body language is ringing truer than ever.
 

 

Simon Sinek – How Great Leaders Inspire Action

If you’re a business owner then this talk is essential viewing. I find Simon Sinek incredibly engaging and charismatic. If you like what you see here, just search for him on Youtube and watch it all. He’s an inspiring man.
 

 

 

Elizabeth Gilbert – On Genius

I eat up literally everything Elizabeth Gilbert does. In fact, I’m currently reading her latest book. And have read many more of the ones that came before, both fiction and non fiction. I love that she blends enchanted myths, legends and ideas with a grounded sense of reality. Her poetic way with words is also right up my street.
 

 

 

Monica Lewinsky – The Price of Shame

Incredibly brave and eye-opening talk from one of the world’s most shamed women. Her name became a household joke and President Clinton had a library named after him.
 

 

 

Esther Perel – The Secret to Desire in a Long Term Relationship

This TED Talk catapulted me into the world of Esther Perel. As a relationship psychotherapist who is not only fluent in, but provides therapy in NINE languages, the woman is a powerhouse. Her podcast ‘where do we begin?’ is fantastic. And her book ‘Mating In Captivity – Sex, Lies and Domestic Bliss’ is one of my favourite non-fiction reads.
 

 

 

Maysoon Zayid – I Got 99 Problems – Palsy Is Just One

I think this is the funniest TED Talk I’ve ever watched. Maysoon is incredibly charming, hilarious and her outlook on life is hugely motivating.
 

 

 

Alexander Tsiaras – Conception To Birth Visualized

An unbelievable medical visualisation of the miracle that happens in the womb.
 

 

 

Reshma Saujani – Teach Girls Bravery Not Perfection

The Founder of Girls Who Code, this is a powerful talk that not only highlights the importance of increasing the representation of women in tech, but also a poignant question about how society speaks to young girls.
 

 

I could rattle out more… But let’s just leave it at 8! Are you a fan of TED Talks?
Do you have any favourites that I should add to my watch list?
Have you seen any of the above and what kind of impression have they left on you?
I would absolutely love to know.