Humour is more than just entertainment—it’s a universal language, a tool for connection and for change. Humour can bring people together. It can turn strangers into friends, ease tension in difficult moments, and even shape public opinion. My speech focuses on the benefits of humour, when used appropriately it has the power to alter our experience of the world. My name is Kaylin Venter, and I’m a 15-year-old student in Grade 9 at the American International School of Cape Town. From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about creative writing, poetry, cultural arts, and animals. More recently, my interests have expanded to include human and animal rights, as well as international law. My ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree in law and use my knowledge to advocate for justice on a global scale. 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 AI technology infiltrates the entertainment industry, actors face an existential threat: can artificial intelligence truly replace human performance? This talk explores the irreplaceable power of human emotion in acting, the historical resilience of performers through technological shifts, and the dangers of allowing AI to take center stage. With real-world examples, industry insights, and a personal perspective from my own university auditions, I argue why storytelling must remain a deeply human craft. The future of acting isn’t about competing with AI—it’s about preserving the soul of performance. Hi, I’m Ameer Bateman, an actor currently navigating the whirlwind of university applications and auditions. Acting has always been my anchor, especially when life felt like a series of wrong places and wrong times. Whether it was missing opportunities, feeling out of sync with my surroundings, or facing the sting of rejection—from auditions to university applications—I’ve learned that every “no” is just another step toward the right “yes.” On stage, I find a sense of belonging and control that real life doesn’t always offer. It’s where I can turn uncertainty into art and connect with audiences through honest, human stories. As I apply to drama programs like Juilliard, I’m embracing the vulnerability of putting myself out there, knowing that every experience, good or bad, fuels my passion for storytelling. 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

Satyabrat Mohapatra's inspiring TED Talk on overcoming struggles and achieving success is a powerful reminder that our journey to success is shaped by our experiences and choices. In his talk, Mohapatra shares his personal story of perseverance, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the need to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of adversity, and offers practical advice on how to present oneself authentically in society. Through his words, Mohapatra encourages viewers to tap into their inner strength and potential, and to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. His talk is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and determination. By sharing his insights and experiences, Mohapatra inspires others to take control of their lives, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact in the world. His message is one of hope and empowerment, urging us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. Satyabrat Mohapatra is popularly known for his content on social media and the passion to make people laugh. He is a stand-up comedian who has appeared at various college events, corporate shows and live shows. Odiya people enjoy following his content as it's a blend of comedy and carries a meaningful message to society. Satyabrat has gained immense popularity and love through content creation and stand-up comedy. Both offline shows and online videos have reached many individuals. His content is a connection between the youth who are looking for new and unique content every day and have a great laugh while watching it. He is known for the unique content he comes up with every day, engaging scripts for stand-up comedy and the way he carries out his whole role on the stage. 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

طلعت فقعت وتحولت: مسيرة وطن ومواطنة مع الطاقة في لبنان Laury Haytayan is an oil and gas policy and geopolitics expert. She is the Middle East and North Africa director at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI). She is the host of the Energy Espresso podcast- a solution-oriented podcast that answers all your questions on the status and future of energy in Lebanon- you can find it on YouTube, and she is the host of a new series of webinars on energy transition in MENA. She also teaches a course on the geopolitics of oil and gas in the East Mediterranean. Laury is also the national coordinator of Taqaddom- Progress Party- a social democratic progressive party that was established in Lebanon in 2020 and won two seats in the parliament of 2022. Laury ran for parliamentary elections in 2018 in Beirut. 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

Satyam Bhuyan's inspiring TED Talk on photography showcases the power of art to promote culture and spark meaningful conversations. As an award-winning travel photographer, he shares his unique perspective on capturing distinctive images that highlight visual harmony. According to Bhuyan, photography is more than just taking pictures; it's about telling stories, preserving moments, and connecting with others. He emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and living in the art, allowing the lens to capture the beauty of diverse cultures. Through his photography, Bhuyan aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. His talk is a testament to the impact of photography on our lives and the role it plays in shaping our perceptions of the world. By sharing his experiences and insights, Bhuyan inspires others to explore the world of photography and discover its potential to connect people and cultures. With his lens, Bhuyan captures the essence of different cultures, encouraging us to appreciate and celebrate our differences. His photography is a reflection of his passion and dedication to the art form. Satyam Bhuyan is a professional with an MBA degree and a background in biochemical engineering. He has done specialisation in marketing and human resources. His expertise is diverse, as he holds keen knowledge on social media marketing, digital marketing, product marketing, content marketing and brand marketing. His knowledge and skills fill the gap between the business and creative world. Satyam has shared his insights on business, technology and creativity that blend in well, and he comes up with innovative solutions. He holds the position of a brand ambassador at Adobe Lightroom and Nikon. Satyam has enhanced his skills by working on content creation, visual storytelling and more. 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

How finding what you love can spark motivation and make life easier and more fun! We are 12 year old 6th grade students. The speech is about motivation and how important it is. How motivation can be anything and can be found anywhere. Our main example is aerial gymnastics and how Monika is motivated enough not to let go of it. Also how hobbies help you find and/or increase your motivation. Motivation is a big part of our lives, so we will help YOU find your own unique motivation, so that your life would become easier. 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