The 5 Most Popular TED Talks of All Time

1. Ken Robinson: How Schools Kill
Creativity
Children are naturally creative, right up until we educate
the raw spark of wonder out of them. In his witty, 18-
minute takedown of the talent-squandering treadmill that
is the traditional public education system, Sir Kenneth
Robinson challenges us to “radically rethink” the way we
teach our children. He invites educators to encourage
kids to dance, experiment and make mistakes.
Related: 7 Public Speaking Tips From One of the Most-
Watched TED Speakers
Business leaders can apply Robinson’s outlier theories
to inspire their teams in much the same way. Start by
allowing your employees to make mistakes. They’re not
bad. They’re gateways to innovation.
2. Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language
Shapes Who You Are
If you’re a habitual arm crosser, watching Amy Cuddy’s
body language 101 might convince you to drop the habit
-- and your arms -- right away. The social scientist, who
kicks off her speech with a “free no-tech life hack” that
will probably turn your frown upside down, says our
body language speaks loud and clear to those around us.
And it might just have a lot to do with our success. One
thing’s for sure: You’ll walk a little taller and sit up a little
straighter after you take Cuddy’s 20-minute “power
posing” crash course. Remember, “Tiny tweaks can lead
to big changes.”
Related: Inspiring TED Talks Every Entrepreneur Should
Watch
3. Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire
Action
Extolling the trailblazing, renegade spirit of iconic
historical figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. and the
Wright brothers, ethnographer Simon Sinek dares people
be rebels, to “think, act and communicate” in ways that
are “the complete opposite of everyone else.” In his talk,
the author of the motivational classic Start With Why
(Portfolio Trade, 2011) describes what he calls the
“golden circle.” It’s a means of communicating “from the
outside in,” a way to passionately talk about what you
care about and believe. He says Apple does it --
obviously to great success -- and your company can,
too.
Related: Why TED Talks Are Impossible to Resist
4. Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
Humiliation, embarrassment and shame are the fields of
study that Brené Brown specializes in. Not many people
talk openly about those kinds of feelings, let alone in
front of thousands. In her touching, often funny speech,
the University of Houston research professor and author
of five bestselling self-empowerment books , reminds us
to be true to ourselves. How? By embracing our
imperfections, something society pressures us not to do,
at home and at work. Instead, Brown asks you to be you,
to be real and really vulnerable. When you are, you’re
kinder to yourself and to others. It’s not easy, but once
you accept who you are -- not who you think should be --
flaws and all, Brown says you’ll connect with others in
deeper, more meaningful ways. And P.S. -- Stop beating
yourself up already. You are enough.
Related: An Oft Unspoken Key to Success: Put Aside
Your Ego and Be Vulnerable
5. Jill Bolte Taylor: My Stroke of Insight
When Harvard-trained brain researcher Dr. Jill Bolte says
she had a stroke of insight, she means it literally. One
morning, at the age of 37, she suffered a devastating
cerebrovascular accident. A blood vessel in her brain
suddenly burst. She could only speak “like a Golden
Retriever” when calling for help. Her right arm “went
totally paralyzed” and her world came crashing down.
You won’t believe Taylor’s first thoughts upon realizing
she was suffering a stroke: “Wow! This is so cool! How
many brain scientists have the opportunity to study their
own brain from the inside out?" Amazing, right?
Related: 4 Motivating TED Talks to Help You Bounce
Back From Failure
In her deeply personal talk, Taylor pulls us into her eight-
year recovery journey. She describes learning to walk,
talk and think again -- from scratch. And, of course, she
also reveals her biggest “stroke of insight” as a brain
hemorrhage survivor. It’s simple but so complex: our
right minds can be gateways to nirvana, but only if we
choose to step out of them.