My Ted Talk aims to highlight the behind-the-scenes effects of complaining. While most everyone understands that complaining is “bad”, few realize the true depth of its negative impact. The difference between my life before and after researching this topic have been drastic, and I hope to inspire others to reevaluate the way they view their words and thoughts as well!! Addison Falat is a junior at Jenks High School. She is a part of the Jenks Trojanaires, as well as Student Council, the National Honor Society, Tri-M, and the International Scholars Program. Outside of school, she is also involved with the National Charity League, serving on the national board, and she works for The Pearl House. Her TED Talk aims to highlight the behind-the-scenes effects of complaining. While most everyone understands that complaining is “bad”, few realize the true depth of its negative impact. The difference between her life before and after researching this topic has been drastic, and she hopes to inspire others to reevaluate the way they view their words and thoughts as well! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

At the age of 4, I fell in love with sports. I have always wanted to share my experiences with the world. But never thought I would get the chance. But then last fall, I had a near-season-ending injury. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to play again. But through perseverance and many different strategies, I pushed through. And this led me to join TEDx and share a part of my story. My speech discusses some common misconceptions about sports injuries. Many people think they are clear cut and simple, but I’m here to challenge that. My name is Quinn Benoit, I am an 11th-grade student from the US. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In March 2024, I visited a bakery run by deaf bakers, and I was amazed by the delicious pastries and the authentic artworks they created. In particular, one baker's butterfly painting ignited my curiosity about how the bakers used art to connect themselves with the world. I found this visit captivating primarily because it motivated me to think deeper about the power of art, which has inspired it to become the topic of my TEDX speech. In my speech, I will explain how art helps hard-of-hearing individuals navigate a world filled with uncertainty, all from their unique perspectives. My name is Heewon Bae, and I am a grade 10 student from South Korea. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

I would like to talk about sleep, but also its deprivation. When I was a kid, I used to see sleep as a nuisance, an interruption to my day. I’ve always questioned why adults find sleep to be so important, but now, it seems like a luxury to even lay in bed. In today’s TEDx speech, I would like to explore why we should stop treating sleep as optional, how we can (try to) fix it, and how it reflects wider issues in our society as a whole. I’m Ethan Guo, and I’m a Grade 10 student from China. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

As someone who formerly struggled to make friends and talk to people, I was compelled to discuss the idea of dual identities – being considered both an outsider and an insider at the same time. My TEDx speech will address themes of being both an outsider and insider, and how this unique side of life can bring a new perspective and understanding to life. My name is Larry Li and I am currently a 12th grade student from Canada. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

As a lover of creating and consuming fiction, I’ve always wondered how, why, and to what extent fictional content – like books, movies, TV shows have such an emotional effect on us. Can it be explained by human evolution, social pressure, search for identity, or a deep rooted longing for a life outside of our own? My speech will take us through the potential reasons I’ve found from research and experience, and conclude with some of my own insights into the matter, and why it matters in the grand scheme of things. My name is Vivi Tan, and I’m a Grade 11 student. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx