What is TEDxXavier and Why We Should Care about TED Talks (& Our 3 Favorite Talks!)

In the midst of midterms and need a bit of encouragement? Want to learn something that is relevant and crucial to your life and your future — and stop worrying about your final in your dance class (which was supposed to be an easy A, by the way)? 

You may have been exposed to TED talks in high school, but they’ve been a new addition to Xavier University! Onto its fourth year here at Xavier, TEDxXavierUniversity is a completely student-organized and run event put on by the Innovation Society. Each TEDxXavierUniversity event has sold out and had a lengthy wait list each year with people asking about ticket sales months before the theme and date are even announced. Students are encouraged to sign up for this club at the beginning of the year to help with the preparations all year long or to volunteer for event day!

According to the Innovation Society, TEDx is a series of independently run talks, and in our case, student-led that inspire creative and innovative thinking in order to lead others to purposeful action. Each talk is designed to ignite and inspire those who watch and listen to change the way they perceive the world or challenge preconceived ideologies. TED talks bring the Xavier community and the Cincinnati community together and allow collaboration in a way we haven’t been able to before.

Now, you might be thinking, more learning? Isn’t struggling through my classes good enough? To be quite honest, the world needs TED talks. They introduce us and connect us with different people around the world whose ideas ignite passion within us. That is a catalyst that causes change.

There is only one Cincinnati and there is only one Xavier. All of our experiences are unique, and TEDx is a common thread between us that makes this event so enlightening to all those who attend. Take advantage of this opportunity and learn more on TEDxXavierUniversity’s website, Twitter, and Facebook pages. There you can find information on volunteering, upcoming ticket sales, and more. 

Here are three of our favorite TED talks to get you excited for our own Xavier event! 

Leymah Gboee: “Unlock the Intelligence, Passion, and Greatness of Girls”

What’s more inspiring than a civil activist leader who is credited for leading a women’s peace movement? Oh, and did we mention she’s a Noble Peace Prize winner?

Meaghan Ramsey: “Why Thinking You’re Ugly is Bad for You” 

In the spirit of social positivity, check out this TED talk by Dove’s Self Esteem Project’s Global Director. Challenge your ideas of what is beautiful and subscribe to a new perception of yourself.

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon: “Women Entrepreneurs, Example not Exception” 

Ms. Lemmon, journalist and author, is an advocate for women being in business at all levels of management in any industry. Women today have such untapped potential that could possibly be used to transform the economy.