Five Must-see TED Talks for Writers!

If you are reading this, I am sure you know what TED talks are. But, if you don’t, let me quote a few lines from their about page, “TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages.” 

So, now that we all know what TED talks are, let us not waste any more time and delve into the world of these wonderful talks. I have been following TED talks for a while now, and I have also been part of two TEDx (independently organised TED-like events) events till now. Many of the talks have inspired me when I needed the inspiration, so I am sharing some of my favourite talks with you.

1. Amy Tan: Where Does Creativity hide?

In this twenty two minute talk, Amy Tan talks about the creative process, using her own evolution as a writer to emphasise her points.

2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story

Here, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells us, in about eighteen minutes, why it is almost always a bad idea to believe that there is only one side to a story,

3. Andrew Stanton: The clues to a great story

Andrew Stanton is the writer of the Toy Story movies and the writer/director of WALL-E. So, he must know a thing or two about story telling, right?

4. Elizabeth Gilbert: Success, failure and the drive to keep creating

In this short seven minute talk Elizabeth Gilbert, of “Eat, Pray, Love” fame, talks about why you shouldn’t let either success, or failure, stop you from doing what you love.

5. Tim Brown: Tales of creativity and play

Children are more creative simply because they are more playful than adults. In this twenty seven minute talk Tim Brown talks about the relationship between creating and playing.

Well, that was my list of some great talks for writers and creators in general. I am sure there must be others that I missed. Let me know your favourite ones in the comments section.