How many of you consider yourselves to be good debaters? Maybe you’ve out-argued your friends, convinced your parents to let you buy that iPhone, or scored top marks on that group presentation in class. Feeling confident in our abilities is something we’ve all experienced—but what if that confidence isn’t always backed by actual skill? What if it’s a trap?In this insightful and thought-provoking TEDx talk, Sayumi Ruvanya Attanayake invites the audience to confront a powerful psychological truth: we're not always as good as we think we are. Drawing on the cognitive psychology concepts of the Illusion of Control and the Dunning-Kruger Effect, the talk explores how and why we often overestimate our competence in areas where we might actually lack experience, training, or true understanding.With a warm and relatable tone, Sayumi Ruvanya Attanayake engages the audience by breaking down these biases into everyday examples—like school debates, negotiating with parents, or even making decisions in leadership roles. These moments seem simple on the surface, but they reveal a deeper problem: the gap between our perceived and actual competence. And that gap has real-world consequences, from poor decision-making and overconfidence in leadership to resistance toward feedback and growth.This talk also dives into how social media culture, grade inflation, and the constant pressure to “be exceptional” contribute to these distorted self-perceptions—especially for young people. We live in a world where being confident often gets mistaken for being right, and where humility is undervalued. But that needs to change.The talk ultimately delivers a compelling message: confidence isn’t the enemy, but unchecked confidence without reflection can be. Instead of blindly trusting our instincts or overvaluing our abilities, Ruvanya calls on viewers to "think again"—to embrace curiosity, seek feedback, and welcome the discomfort of not always being the best. Because that’s where true growth begins.By understanding the science behind how we perceive ourselves, and how these perceptions can mislead us, this TEDx talk offers a transformative lens through which we can better navigate school, relationships, leadership, and life. It’s not just about debating—it’s about learning to evaluate our own competence honestly and making space for continuous improvement.So, are you really as good as you think? Or is it time to think again?Watch this talk if you’re interested in: cognitive psychology and self-awareness, the science behind confidence and competence, how to grow as a student, leader, or individual, understanding the impact of overconfidence and unconscious bias, the path toward humility, reflection, and growth.This TEDx talk is a must-watch for students, educators, leaders, and anyone ready to challenge their assumptions and level up their self-awareness. How many of you consider yourselves to be good debaters? It could be when debating with your friends, convincing your parents to get you something, and so on. You can raise your hands. Now, think again. Keep your hands up if you think you are better than average at debating. You surely must have convinced your parents to get you that iPhone if you into high honor roll, yeah? This is what Ruvanya Attanayake will talk about, the illusion of control, and the Dunning-Kruger effect. 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

Saadhvi talks about her personal experience of suffering from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, a medical condition and how resilience, determination, family and camaraderie from friends helped her overcome the challenges and problems associated with the condition. She also mentions in her talk a few famous personalities of the world who were also paragons of resilience. It is a powerful and compelling TEDx talk from a teenager that inspires everyone. Saadhvi is passionate about creative and intellectual pursuits, excelling in math, problem-solving, and writing. She enjoys baking, drawing, reading, and painting as outlets for her imagination. A confident public speaker and quick learner, she embraces challenges but finds socialising with new people difficult. Despite this, she strives to grow and step out of her comfort zone. 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

This talk emphasises how truly listening—with presence, empathy, and intention—strengens relationships, resolves conflicts, and builds a more connected world. The speaker demonstrates how this often-overlooked skill can be developed and utilised to foster trust and understanding in any setting. He urges peers to be intentional listeners in a distracted world. Krithic is an A-level learner who is a passionate sports enthusiast who thrives both on the field and as a spectator of the game. Beyond athletics, he expresses his creativity through drawing and finds inspiration in music. He values meaningful conversations, embracing deep connections through active listening and thoughtful dialogue. 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

The talk sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of letting children connect with soil and the natural world. Amirtha speaks passionately about how playing in the dirt isn't just fun—it builds immunity, sparks curiosity, and nurtures emotional well-being. With heartfelt insights and a call to reconnect with nature, she urges the audience to view mud-splattered hands as a sign of healthy, joyful learning. Her talk reminds us that the earth, quite literally, has wisdom to offer. Amirtha Varshini is a passionate learner who excels in sports, dance, and music, with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry. She embraces new experiences through travel and cuisine, valuing growth beyond her comfort zone. Aspiring to be a successful businessperson and philanthropist, she is driven by excellence and a desire to make a positive impact. 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 a world where the lines between public and private are increasingly blurred, the speaker emphasises the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries to protect emotional and mental well-being. She offers tools for assertiveness and self-awareness, making it clear that boundaries are not barriers, but bridges to balanced living. Ms Anitha is a dynamic soft skills trainer dedicated to bridging communication gaps for individuals across all age groups. With a passion for empowering others to find their authentic voice, she specializes in coaching children to develop self-confidence and assertive communication skills. An avid reader, Anitha brings a nuanced approach to her training, transforming communication challenges into opportunities for personal growth. Her methodology seamlessly integrates empathy, strategic insights, and a profound understanding of interpersonal dynamics, fostering meaningful connections and empowering individuals to thrive in both personal and professional spheres. 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 nutritionist and wellness advocate, the speaker explains the direct link between food, energy levels, emotional balance, and learning. She encourages learners to be mindful eaters and illustrates how wise choices fuel both academic and athletic performance. Nivedha Kaushik, a dedicated nutritionist and Naturopathic Doctor (ND) certified in the UK, turned a childhood experience into a lifelong passion for mindful nutrition. A mother of two, she has over five years of experience guiding individuals toward sustainable health transformations. She specializes in effortless weight management and the nutritional care of conditions like PCOS, diabetes, cholesterol, and uric acid imbalances. With a science-backed approach, Nivedha empowers her clients to make lasting lifestyle changes, promoting overall well-being through practical, mindful nutrition strategies that go beyond diet trends. 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