TED-Style Talks Worth Studying in 2024
If you're even thinking of stepping on the Red Dot to deliver your own Big Idea, you've probably read a LOT of advice.
From Carmine Gallo's Talk Like TED to Chris Anderson's TED Talks, to dozens of blogs from organizers and former speakers, you'll have noticed a pattern - pretty much everyone cites the same handful of famous talks as examples of what to strive for:
Simon Sinek
Brené Brown
Sir Ken Robinson
Susan Cain
And there's no doubt, these talks are famous for a reason. They are truly exceptional ideas delivered with mastery.
They're also a million years old, at least in Internet years
You see, it's not 2009 anymore. Or even 2013.
The year is 2024 and the way that YouTube viewers browse, search, engage with TED-style talks is very different than it used to be.
We are now inundated with content and ideas at a level that was previously unimaginable. And as such, speakers who aspire to deliver a talk that will reach tens or hundreds of thousands of people - or millions - should not be emulating those famous talks.
As the founder and principal consultant of Conquer the Red Dot®, I've helped dozens of experts and leaders book, write, and deliver the talk of their lives on the most prestigious stages.
I pay close attention to what kind of talks are getting booked and shared. So, here is my personal list of 6 talks that all aspiring speakers should study in 2024:
6 TED-style Talks Worth Studying in 2024
"How to Talk to the Worst Parts of Yourself" by Karen Faith
Karen Faith is an ethnographer and strategist whose work on empathy has guided teams and initiatives at Google, Amazon, Indeed, and The NBA.
Why it's great: Karen's talk is a masterclass in crafting a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. She seamlessly mixes stories and humor without ever losing the core message. And best of all? Her opening line immediately grabs your attention. You know precisely what the talk is about and why you should listen in less than 3 seconds.
"The Single Most Important Parenting Strategy" by Becky Kennedy
Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist specializing in parenting, renowned for her practical and transformative insights into family dynamics and child development.
Why it's great: Becky's talk epitomizes the art of turning personal anecdotes into universal truths. Dr. Kennedy brilliantly intertwines her professional expertise with relatable stories, offering tons of actionable advice without sacrificing emotional depth. From the first moment, she engages her audience with a blend of authenticity and authority.
"How to find the person who can help you get ahead at work" by Carla Harris
Carla Harris is a distinguished executive, speaker, and author with decades of experience on Wall Street, known for her insightful strategies on professional growth and advancement.
Why it's great: Carla's talk is a powerhouse of strategic guidance, dissecting the intricate dynamics of workplace advancement with clarity and conviction. Her presence commands attention, and her message offers a roadmap to success that is both practical and empowering. Carla's delivery, interlaced with wit and wisdom, not only captivates but also equips her audience with actionable tools to navigate and excel in their professional journeys.
"How Falling Behind Can Get You Ahead" by David Epstein
David Epstein is an investigative reporter and author renowned for his deep dives into the complexities of human performance and development.
Why it's great: David's talk uses captivating narratives and robust scientific backing to challenge a widely accepted belief: Malcolm Gladwell's '10,000 hours rule'. His storytelling, rich with examples from sports, music, and beyond, not only captivates but also reshapes our understanding of success.
"How to Make Learning as Addictive as Social Media" by Luis Von Ahn
Luis Von Ahn is a celebrated entrepreneur and computer scientist, renowned for innovating in the realm of digital education and language learning through his creation, Duolingo.
Why it's great: Luis' talk pulls back the curtain on how his company/app Duolingo, leverages the same psychological hooks that keep users scrolling on Instagram or TikTok, in order to foster daily learning habits. In that way, it's a very classical TED-style talk: an expert translating their expertise for the enlightenment of the general public. We've seen a push to bring the Red Dot back to those kind of talks recently, and this is a perfect example.
"How to seek forgiveness when relationships are on the line" by Peder Tellefsdal
Peder Tellefsdal is a PR and communication expert who now helps small business owners and Church leaders tell stories people actually want to be in.
Full disclosure: Peder is one of our former clients at Conquer the Red Dot®. He worked with me for nearly 18 months on this talk, using our frameworks for delivering TED-style talks. In order to avoid bias, I asked an AI to analyze his talk similarly to the rest of the talks in this article, and here is what it said:
Why it's great (AI answer): With heartfelt honesty, Peder shares his personal journey from self-indulgence to self-awareness, illustrating the transformative power of taking responsibility for one's actions. Tellefsdal's message resonates deeply, offering a compelling blueprint for anyone striving to rebuild trust and foster deeper connections in their personal and professional lives.
From Brian: Peder's talk demonstrates how to take a personal story that would ordinarily be considered too "inspirational speaker" for a TED-style conference and use it to deliver a powerful idea that's actually worth sharing.
BONUS: "Fame’s lesson plan" by Joshua Radnor
Josh Radnor is an acclaimed actor and filmmaker, best known for his role on the hit TV show "How I Met Your Mother.”
Why it's great: Josh Radnor's talk gives an honest look at the ups and downs of being famous. He shares personal stories that show how fame can challenge and change a person. His message is clear and relatable, reminding us that real happiness comes from knowing who you are, learning from your mistakes, and treating others kindly. Radnor's journey teaches us that success isn't just about being known; it's about growing as a person and making a positive impact in the world.
Are you ready for the Red Dot? Get your score.
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Answer just 12 questions and instantly discover how likely your Big Idea is to be selected by a TED-style conference organizer.
Disclaimer: Conquer The Red Dot® is not affiliated in any way with TED Conferences, LLC and do not represent the opinions or policies of TED. We do not and cannot guarantee that anyone will be accepted to a TED or TEDx conference.
