The best part about TED Talks is their profoundness. You can tell how passionate each speaker is about the subject they’re presenting and how much it means for them to share it with an audience eager to learn. And there is so much to learn. Here’s the first part of our article series featuring some of our favorite TED Talks. Let us know what your favorite TED Talk is in the comments!
Teach girls bravery, not perfection – Reshma Saujani
Saujani highlights the gender bias that is imposed on girls and how it affects the expectations they put on themselves as they grow into adulthood. Women are taught to be perfect which can culminate into women becoming risk-averse. But women don’t need to be perfect—they need to be courageous and bold. And the community around women should support braver women.
Why I’m done trying to be “man enough” – Justin Baldoni
The conversation about gender and sexism shouldn’t just involve women, it must include men. In the effort to empower women and dismantle gender inequality, we need to examine masculinity and the gender roles our society puts on men. Baldoni’s call to men to embrace their vulnerability and be better allies to women makes this a worthwhile watch for everyone.
Know your worth, and then ask for it – Casey Brown
As reported in a survey by Glassdoor, “Women negotiate less than their male counterparts. Sixty-eight percent of women accepted the salary they were offered and did not negotiate, a 16-percentage point difference when compared to men (52%).” Brown breaks down how women (and men) can receive pay that reflects what they are worth and not by the worth determined solely by their employers.
The data behind Hollywood’s sexism – Stacy Smith
Smith has dedicated years to analyzing on-screen representation and delivered her findings in this eye-opening video. The conclusion? The representation of women and minorities in film and television is dismal. But it’s crucial to be well-informed on this issue, especially because of the influence of such media and because there is a tangible solution to improving representation.
Your body language may shape who you are – Amy Cuddy
One of the most famous TED Talks of all time, Cuddy’s message and lesson is still relevant today. Body language is a powerful way to communicate, both to yourself and others. The way one stands or “poses” can affect one’s self-confidence. The way you interact with others in different environments shows to people who you are. Nonverbal language is powerful.