In this thought-provoking and deeply human talk, the speaker unpacks how fragility and adaptability coexist in the human condition. Unlike other species, humans take years to survive independently—but we’ve used this vulnerability to develop unmatched creativity, resilience, and intelligence. At the heart of this evolution lies critical thinking—our capacity to process countless variables and devise solutions that let us live anywhere from the Sahara to outer space.But critical thinking alone isn’t enough. The speaker introduces communication as the lever that amplifies individual thought into collective genius, allowing us to build space stations and solve global challenges. Still, for that lever to move the world, it needs a fulcrum. And that fulcrum, the speaker argues, is effective talking—the most commonly used and most often misunderstood form of communication.From the Cold War space collaboration between the U.S. and the USSR to everyday miscommunications at work, the talk reveals the often-overlooked fragility of spoken word. Yet, with three simple principles—Assess your audience, Bridge understanding, and Clarify expectations—we can make our speech more powerful, more precise, and more human.Through real-world examples, including a catastrophic Air Force mishap tied to a seemingly harmless phrase, the speaker makes a compelling case: communication isn’t just an art—it’s a science, and when used properly, it’s transformative. Joel Ellis is a leadership coach, speaker, and personal development expert with over 50 years of experience. As the founder of Foundations For Solid Success, he helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through strategic coaching and motivational speaking. Based in Bessemer, Alabama, Joel has a strong background in leadership, communication, and personal growth. He studied at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has dedicated his career to inspiring transformation. His engaging approach equips people with the tools to achieve lasting success. 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

Reencontrarse con el sentido de pertenencia, a cientos de kilómetros del lugar donde uno creció, es mucho más que un regalo: es una reconfiguración profunda de la identidad. En esta emotiva charla, Awka nos comparte parte de su "regreso al hogar", un viaje interno y geográfico que lo fue guiando hacia los lugares y momentos precisos que transformaron su destino. Lo que antes era distancia y desconocimiento de su pueblo y su territorio mapuche, hoy es cercanía, propósito y compromiso. A través del metal, un género que desafía y conecta, Awka lleva la voz, el mensaje y la visión de su pueblo, construyendo puentes entre culturas y generaciones. Músico, compositor y vocalista de Mawiza, una banda de metal que canta en mapuzungun, llevando la herencia mapuche a nuevas audiencias y escenarios.Aunque nació en Santiago, su vida lo llevó a reconectar profundamente con sus raíces familiares en la región de La Araucanía, desarrollado un compromiso activo como cultor del mapuzungun. Actualmente dedica parte de su tiempo a la enseñanza su lengua tanto a niños como adultos.Su banda, Mawiza , ha sido destacada por la revista Rolling Stone como uno de los 25 nombres por los que apostar en 2025, calificándola como “un rugido de orgullo mapuche en la escena metalera de Chile”.Su fuerte conexión al territorio le ha permitido nutrirse de los saberes transmitidos por sus ancestros. A través de la música y el arte, aplica y comparte esta herencia cultural en contextos urbanos, combinando la tradición mapuche con expresiones contemporáneas que fortalecen la identidad. 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

Desde una profunda conexión con su infancia y con la forma en que ha aprendido a habitar su territorio, Simón nos invita a detenernos y cuestionar cómo entendemos hoy el desarrollo y el progreso. Su mensaje, nacido desde la experiencia y la sabiduría mapuche, nos desafía a pensar en las generaciones futuras: en su derecho a heredar un mundo al menos tan rico y vivo como el que nosotros hemos recibido. Como líder de su comunidad, con respeto y afecto, Simón nos propone una nueva forma de avanzar: una que ponga en el centro el cuidado, el diálogo y la preservación del territorio. Porque solo cuidando lo que somos y donde estamos, podemos construir un futuro justo y sostenible para todos. Simón Crisóstomo Loncopan, joven geógrafo y líder mapuche de Kurarewe, ha dedicado su vida a proteger la naturaleza y la identidad de su comunidad. Desde su defensa del territorio frente a proyectos hidroeléctricos y mineros, hasta su trabajo por la justicia territorial, Simón se ha convertido en un referente de la gobernanza indígena.Simón nos invita a reflexionar sobre cómo la justicia territorial puede ser la clave para la conservación del medio ambiente y el bienestar de las personas que dependemos de él. 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

Kristine explores why we instinctively fear uncertainty—and how that very discomfort can become a powerful force for growth, innovation, and connection. Drawing from personal stories and broader insights, she reveals how stepping beyond our comfort zones can lead to deeper relationships, more meaningful experiences, and unexpected opportunities. Kristine invites the audience to rethink the unknown not as something to avoid, but as a call to adventure—one that can transform our daily lives and unlock our greatest potential. Kristine is a certified coach with 24 years of experience helping leaders worldwide transform their lives and careers. She trained with the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) and holds certifications from the International Coaches Federation, along with being a Certified Relational Trauma Coach. Kristine has earned numerous accolades, including Leadership Development Coach of the Year (2023) and Most Empowering Keynote Speaker & Coach (2024) by Acquisition International.Kristine co-hosts Embrace The Squiggle, a top-ranked podcast sharing authentic career stories, and works internationally, helping clients lead with authenticity. Her past roles include nearly a decade at UBC Sauder School of Business, where she supported thousands of graduates. Now running her own coaching practice, Kristine works globally, helping clients in various industries achieve success.Kristine will be speaking on the topic of 'Shattering the Myth of a Straight Path in Life and Career'. 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

Sophia dives into the feelings of self-doubt and anxiety that often arise when life doesn’t follow the expected path. Through a personal story of unexpected turns in her own journey, she explores how we can turn feelings of inadequacy into opportunities for growth. Sophia explains the concept of impostor syndrome—why we experience it—and how acknowledging self-doubt, rather than hiding from it, can spark creativity and innovation. She also shares practical strategies for building confidence, so we can use life’s redirections to propel us toward success. Sophia is a Bachelor of Communication Studies student and a graduate of CapU's Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate. She has consistently advocated for the amplification of under-represented voices on the Canadian political stage. Her guiding principle is to foster meaningful impact through advocacy and partnerships.Sophia will be speaking on the topic of 'Redirection, Resilience, and Reinvention: Surviving and Thriving in Times of Change'. 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

A marathoner who began as a lazy house rat. A barefoot runner on cracked roads. Running is full of unexpected stories—and I’ve lived some of them. From my mom’s life-changing journey to global marathons and helping kids in Hong Kong take their first strides, this talk reveals how running breaks mental, societal, and physical barriers. Every finish line begins with a single step, and every barrier becomes a starting line waiting to be crossed. Angela is a sophomore at Phillips Academy Andover. 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