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
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- 14:29A breath-based breakthrough in MS research | Valerie Verge | TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewanNervous system damage is a leading cause of pain and loss of function in those with nerve injury or autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In the quest to reverse this damage and improve patient quality of life, we and other neuroscientists are exploring the benefits of adaptive stress—like that of exercise or electrical nerve stimulation—on enhancing nervous system repair. Most recently, our research team has achieved exciting and encouraging findings behind the potential of a non-invasive approach called Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH). Using the power of breathing alternating levels of oxygen and a healthy dose of neuroscience, we are at the forefront of exciting new and accessible treatments for significantly enhancing nervous system repair.Dr. Valerie Verge (PhD) is a professor in the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology and director of the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre. She earned her PhD at McGill University in 1990 in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and conducted postdoctoral studies at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm prior to her appointment in 1992 at the University of Saskatchewan. She has received many accolades, including being a Medical Research Council of Canada Scholar, Past President of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and was named by MS Canada as being the 2019 Women against MS honouree. Dr. Verge is internationally recognized for her team’s research into the molecular basis of nervous system repair and strategies to enhance the intrinsic capacity for repair in peripheral nerve injury and Multiple Sclerosis. She has taken on many national and international leadership and advocacy roles and been named to Stanford University’s list of top 2% of most highly cited scientists worldwide.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
- 9:27The Spoon That Shaped My World | Wallace Chan | TEDxNYU ShanghaiWallace Chan opened his TEDx talk, “The Spoon That Shaped My World,” by inviting the audience back to age five—hungry not just for food but for belonging—when a single porcelain spoon first captivated him. What began as a broken childhood treasure evolved into a lifetime obsession with porcelain’s paradox of beauty and resilience, culminating in a groundbreaking material he calls “Wallace Chan Porcelain,” now five times stronger than steel. Wallace Chan began gemstone carving in 1973 at age 16. Renowned by the 2010s, his innovations include the Wallace Cut, titanium jewelry mastery, metal-free gemstone settings, and patented jadeite-enhancing techniques. His "Wallace Chan Porcelain," five times harder than steel, emerged after years of research. In 2019, his jewelry became the first Chinese contemporary piece permanently displayed at the British Museum. Exhibited globally, Chan continues pushing boundaries in materials, colors, and forms. 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
- 5:27The Art of Self-Discipline: One Month at a Time | Jorge Endara | TEDxSaintAndrewsSchoolIn this talk, Jorge Endara explores the art of self-discipline and its importance in setting goals and building successful habits. Jorge is a freshman at Saint Andrew's, where he is part of the boarding program. He is originally from Panama City, Panama, and loves spending time with friends back home. In his free time, Jorge loves to read, watch sports, and enjoy all life has to offer with his loved ones. Although public speaking is a great challenge, he is looking forward to honing in on this key life skill with the help of the TED-Ed class. 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
- 7:32Comparison Kills Confidence | Vittoria Gentile | TEDxOakKnollSchoolHave you ever compared yourself to someone else, only to find out that it hinders your own success? Vittoria explores the psychology behind this common habit as well as ways to reduce its negative effects. Vittoria is a sophomore at Oak Knoll School, and this is her first year presenting a TEDx speech. She is engaged in many clubs at Oak Knoll, including the Italian club and Yearbook. She decided to speak about the impacts of comparison because it has always been an issue she's struggled with and, through research, has found the lasting impacts of comparing yourself to someone who could either be more, less, or even the same amount fortunate than yourself. 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
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- 16:24Sessions 3.28.25 @ Songbirds Part 2 | Randy Steele | TEDxChattanooga SalonFeatured songs: Age of Ben; The Extra Mile is a Gravel Road Randy Steele is an award winning banjo pickin' singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, TN. His first solo album ‘Songs from the Suck’ was released in early 2017 followed by ‘Moccasin Bender’ released in the summer of 2018 and ‘High Cold Wind’ in 2023. All of these releases were met with critical acclaim and spotlights from dozens of music critics, including Relix Magazine, No Depression, Americana Highways, and The Bluegrass Situation. Steele won an Independent Music Award for Bluegrass 'Song of the Year' for "Mobile Soon" and was a semifinalist in the esteemed ‘American Songwriter’ song of the year for ‘Age of Ben’. Steele has also been a finalist in the New Song LEAF Songwriting Competition in North Carolina and the Kerrville Folk Festival ‘New Folk’ competition in Texas.Steele continues to play out and tour both solo shows and as the front man with Randy Steele and High Cold Wind. After a few shows, they found themselves invited to multiple festivals throughout the Southeast US with acts like Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, Town Mountain, Larry Keel, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, The Kody Norris Show, Nick Lutsko, and the Lonesome River Band. 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
