TED Circles is an open community of small groups that engage in conversations about big ideas.
Hosted by volunteers, Circles watch and discuss a TED Talk about the monthly theme. They share takeaways online to consider each other’s perspectives and create a global conversation. That conversation needs everyone so we hope you join as a host or as a guest.
Circles can take place in-person and online so they are helping communities stay connected, especially now. The video illustrates how Circles work and why TED believes in them.
Host a TED Circle
Anyone can host a TED Circle! Hosts invite guests, select a talk about the monthly theme, and facilitate a productive conversation...it's that simple! Our host resources are available if you want to learn more.
Hosting is an important role and TED wants to help you be a great host! After you register as a host, you receive a welcome email confirming your hostname, granting access to our Circles registration and invitation generator, and inviting you to join our host community group (a special online space for hosts from around the world to connect).
Want to host a TED Circle?
Register hereThis Month
September | Leading with curiosityJoin an online Circle hosted by TED
Nadya MasonHow to spark your curiosity scientifically
Conversation starters
- How much do you experiment with the world around you? What did this talk make you want to test?
- What were your favorite homemade science experiments as a kid and why?
- What could happen if scientists were encouraged to experiment in this way? Additional resource: Suzie Sheehy | The case for curiosity-driven research
- What could happen if students were encouraged to experiment this way? Additional resource: Ramsey Musallam | 3 rules to spark learning
Juna KollmeierThe most detailed map of galaxies, black holes and stars ever made
Conversation starters
- What is your favorite thing to imagine that may exist in space (e.g. true Earth-like planets, aliens, space squids, or something else)?
- Are there any photographs, books, television shows, movies, myths or news stories that have captured your curiosity in a way that have made you want to learn about space?
- What is something that initially scared you but fascinated you once you learned more about it?
- What do you think we’ll learn or discover in the next 100 years?
Özlem CekicWhy I have coffee with people who send me hate mail
Conversation starters
- Why do you think those who sent Cekic hate mail agreed to meet her for coffee?
- In her appearance on TED Radio Hour, Cekic says she participates in #dialoguecoffee because she “really, really loves democracy.” She adds, “Conversation is difficult, but it is the most necessary thing in a democracy.” Do you agree or disagree with this latter statement? Why or why not?
- How can you engage in a healthy dialogue with groups you demonize? Weigh the pros and cons of each approach.
- In spaces where you think you have no power or influence, why do you feel powerless? What are some ways, big or small, that can enact your potential and change that perception?
Eduardo BriceñoHow to get better at the things you care about
Conversation starters
- How often are you in the learning zone versus the performance zone?
- Share a time from your life that demonstrates the learning zone/performance zone principle. What did you have to learn and practice and how did you demonstrate your mastery of it?
- What’s one skill or practice you would like to improve in your life right now? How can you ensure that you will spend more time in the learning zone for that topic?
- Would you want to see your workplace or school offering space to experiment and take risks? If yes, what might this look like for your specific context? If not, why not?
Upcoming months
October | Everyone's environmentJoin an online Circle hosted by TEDWe can change climate change. #JointheCountdown
Per Espen StoknesHow to transform apocalypse fatigue into action on global warming
Conversation starters
- What type of appeal — emotional, fact-based, story-centered, ethical, etc. — works best to convince you to do something?
- Before this talk, how did you feel about engaging in conversations about climate change — did you fit into one of the five inner defenses? How do you feel after watching this talk?
- Discuss ways to incorporate Stoknes’ strategies into conversations with those in your life who may feel apocalypse fatigue. Propose hypothetical (or real) situations and Stoknes-inspired opportunities to counter them.
- Are there organizations and climate activists you love or admire who are already using Stoknes’ techniques? If yes, share them and what they do. If no, brainstorm ways (such as a social media campaign or a reach out email) to encourage these individuals / groups to incorporate a different angle inspired by Stoknes.
Tom Rivett-CarnacHow to shift your mindset and choose your future
Conversation starters
- Rivett-Carnac describes how sometimes, when we are faced with an enormous challenge that we don't feel we have any control over, we begin to think it’s not an important issue, that maybe it’s not happening how people describe it or that it’s too big a problem so it’s not worth trying. Have you ever found yourself in one of these situations? Will you now approach those situations differently? Why or why not?
- In discussing the climate crisis, Rivett-Carnac says, “we can no longer afford the luxury of feeling powerless.” Why is powerlessness a luxury in this instance?
- Has there been a moment in your life, be it solo or collaborative, at work or at school, or at home or in your community, when stubborn optimism and determined action led to a much-needed change? If so, share with the group. Are there any commonalities among your approaches?
- Once we have rallied behind a cause (with stubborn optimism), what kinds of actions are necessary to see it through? It may be helpful to think of a cause or issue as a group (be it tackling climate change or coordinating a themed TEDx event) and think through a process.
Cheryl HolderThe link between climate change, health, and poverty
Conversation starters
- In Holder’s community, the climate crisis is visible through significant health effects (as noted in the “Heatwave” mnemonic) and gentrification. Is the climate crisis visible in your community or your own life yet? If so, how is it showing up?
- Holder outlines several steps that nurses, doctors, and pharmacists can take to lead a medical response to climate change. What are some actions that your own industry or peer group can do (or are doing) to meet this current challenge? Additional resource: Angela Francis' Talk
- “Our lives are not only vulnerable but are stories of resilience, innovation and survival” says Holder. In a few decades, what is the story that you think will be told about the climate crisis? Will it be one of resilience, innovation, survival or defeat?
- Holders recounts the collective effort to turn the tide on the HIV epidemic, while Rivett-Carnac draws inspiration from Great Britain’s resolve during WWII. What other historic precedents would you compare to our present moment, or use to persuade others that this is a struggle in which we can ultimately be victorious? And how do the themes of Rivett-Carnac’s talk reemerge in Holder’s impassioned presentation?
Kelsey LeonardWhy lakes and rivers should have the same rights as humans
Conversation starters
- How will you feel about water moving forward after watching Leonard’s talk?
- How do you feel about companies having the same rights as people — did it surprise you, anger you, etc.? Do you agree that water should have those same protections?
- Does this idea exist or has it been acted upon where you are? If not, is there a way to contact your representatives or rally organizations to consider it? Use Leonard’s action items at the end to help you brainstorm.
- Beyond bodies of water, what other parts of nature do you believe should have the same legal rights as people? Why?
Previous months
August | How change happens
Kelly Richmond PopeHow whistleblowers shape history
Conversation starters
- Has this talk altered your view on whistleblowing? If so, how? If not, why not?
- Richmond Pope notes that, in her experience, whistleblowers are hopeful, committed, humble and brave, yet are often described as anything but. What powers and dynamics are at play that lead to the vilification of these truth tellers?
- As Richmond Pope asked, “When given the opportunity, would you actually speak up?” Take a moment to consider the hypothetical scenario and circumstances as you explain your answer.
- Have you had a first hand experience involving the act of whistleblowing? Share with the group.
Megan Ming FrancisWe need to address the real roots of racism
Conversation starters
- Ming Francis observes we have the wrong diagnosis (bad apples) and the wrong cure (education) for racism. Why is it that education alone is not enough?
- Aside from validating Ming Francis’ experience, what else could the bystander airport worker (who noted the agent’s history of racist behavior) have done in this instance?
- Ming Francis encourages us to “confront the ways that our actions and our institutions lead to a differential treatment of Blacks, even if done unintentionally.” On an individual and country-wide scale, how can you confront inequitable treatment of any group of people? Additional resource: Dolly Chugh | How to let go of being a good person and become a better person
- What actions are you willing to take to fight racism at the institutional level (e.g. racial profiling, discriminatory hiring policies ) or interpersonal level (e.g. locking doors when Black people approach, internalizing biases that engender complacency)?
Naomi KleinHow shocking events can spark positive change
Conversation starters
- Why do some events inspire longstanding action and change while other big moments seem to fade without the same impact?
- Can you name any economic, social or other crises that have occurred in your country? What was the response? Give us your perspective on the outcome.
- Which crises in your country or community do you wish held onto their initial momentum? How do you think the present would be different had they continued to galvanize change? How could you bring those thoughts and actions into the future?
- How have shocking events in your personal life helped you to evolve?
Halla Tomasdottir & Bryn FreedmanThe crisis of leadership and a new way forward
Conversation starters
- In your life — in big and small ways — have you noticed the “crisis of conformity” Tómasdóttir mentioned at the beginning of the interview? If so, how?
- Are you seeing evidence of the “new leadership” Tómasdóttir speaks of — courageous, humble, moral and socially aware — in your own country and communities creating effective, long-term impact? If so, share an example. If not, why do you think it’s missing?
- What do you think will transform after the global crises we’re experiencing now?
- How could you incorporate Tómasdóttir’s perspectives and outlook into your own life and community?
July | Designing with humanity
Poet AliThe language of being human
Conversation starters
- Which universal languages do you find yourself using most in interactions with loved ones, strangers, and/or colleagues?
- Has Poet Ali changed your perspective on the number of languages you understand? Why or why not?
- Are there languages mentioned that you feel you could practice more or share with others? Brainstorm some ideas that could help make that happen.
- What are other universal languages that may have been missed? Suggest your own — be as profound or silly as you’d like.
Eli PariserWhat obligation do social media companies have to the greater good?
Conversation starters
- If good physical spaces have structure and rules, what structures and rules from the real world would you most want to see brought to social media?
- Which online spaces have you seen that work well for promoting the greater good? Which ones are falling short? In your opinion, what makes the difference?
- Pariser believes that the social cues and soft negative feedback that help townhall meetings go well could be cultivated with more expressive emoji reactions on social media. What emojis would you like to see elevated to this status?
- Pariser notes that many online spaces put too little focus on their programs and moderators, leaving the questions of “what are people doing here?” and “who’s taking responsibility for it?” unanswered. Would you like to see more structured programs and moderation, or less? Explain your answer.
Mariana MazzucatoWhat is economic value, and who creates it?
Conversation starters
- From your perspective, who creates the most value and why? Does the talk make you reconsider how you contribute in creating value?
- Has Mazzucato helped redefine what “value” means to you? Why or why not? How would you define it now?
- Which industries in your community / country (or beyond) could benefit most from this perspective shift? Why and in what ways?
- Has your definition of “value” changed since COVID-19? Do you foresee a long-lasting societal shift reflecting a change in which sectors we deem most productive, most valuable?
Hamdi UlukayaThe anti-CEO playbook
Conversation starters
- Ulukaya calls for companies to put employees over shareholders, consumers over boards, and community engagement over tax breaks. Do you know of any other companies, in your community or beyond, with a similar approach?
- Ulukaya says “it's business, not government, [that’s] in the best position to make a change in today's world...it's business that must take a side.” Do you agree? Why or why not? If so, what responsibility do you want companies to take for humanity?
- The talk reminds us how powerful we are as consumers to change the behaviors of big corporations. Think of a company that impacts your community. What actions would you most like to see them change? How might you encourage them to do things differently?
- Even if you’re not the CEO of a company, what lessons from Ulukaya’s talk can you apply to put people first?
June | Resilience
Susan DavidThe gift and power of emotional courage
Conversation starters
- Have you had moments when your inner world and emotions affected your outer-world and other people? What do you do to mitigate those feelings if/when they arise?
- When you’re able to talk about — rather than suppress — difficult emotions, and experience “individualized consideration,” how do you feel afterward?
- Are there ever instances where you feel like ignoring your emotions is a good idea? Why or why not?
- In what ways could you incorporate David’s advice into your own life to help yourself and others?
Lucy HoneThree secrets of resilient people
Conversation starters
- Have you ever used any of the three strategies that Hone shares? Did you come upon it yourself or learn from someone else? If not, which do you think you’re most likely to use?
- In discussing strategy two (choosing carefully where to focus your attention), Hone touches on the importance of focusing on the good, not just the stressful. Take a moment to practice it now: what are three good things that have happened to you today?
- Hone reports that strategy three — asking yourself “Is what I’m doing helping or harming me?” — has prompted more positive feedback from her readers than any other. In what areas of your life do you think this approach could be useful?
- Outside of those highlighted in this talk, what strategies have helped you navigate tough times? Additional resource: TED-Ed Lesson
Rachel KyteFrom disaster response to disaster prevention
Conversation starters
- Have you ever experienced a natural disaster (e.g. an earthquake, forest fire, cyclone, flood, etc.)? If so, what helped you get through it? Was it friends and neighbors, an aid program, or both?
- Kyte tells us that “strong social bonds are one of the strongest determinants of resilience within a community.” How strong are your community’s social bonds? What have you done to maintain your social bonds in recent months? Where can you try to improve?
- As a group, think of one good example of a natural disaster response from the public sector and one from the private. Now think of a poor response from each category. What made the positive responses so much stronger than the underperforming ones?
- What disaster risk policies or actions would you most like to see enacted in your community?
Martin ReevesHow to build a business that lasts 100 years
Conversation starters
- Has this talk changed your perspective on how businesses function? Does it make more or less sense to compare businesses to biological organisms?
- Are there businesses, family-owned or otherwise, that have survived for a long time in your country? Do you think they’ve used any of Reeve’s principles? Additional resource: Navi Radjou’s Talk
- Of the six principles, which do feel are most urgent in our current times?
- Though Reeve’s idea is presented for business, do you feel like you could adapt some of these principles to your own life, family, or community? How?
Suggest other themes and talks here
Find a TED Circle
The Circles listed below are registered by hosts who invite their own guests. If you want to attend a Circle, join one hosted by our team! Also find out what Circles are discussing by visiting our community takeaways.
- Ahmad KhurshidOnline30 Sep 2020
- Sana AwanHyderabad30 Sep 2020
- Dan HibberdAuckland30 Sep 2020
- Ozay OzaydinOnline30 Sep 2020
- TED ConferencesOnline30 Sep 2020
- Allen FujimotoDenver30 Sep 2020
- Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw30 Sep 2020
- Sharkya Stem SchoolZagazig30 Sep 2020
- Aniket ModiLalitpur30 Sep 2020
- Van Nguyen and Diego SanzTokyo30 Sep 2020
- Bea AriasOnline30 Sep 2020
- Rohit Kumar VermaKowloon30 Sep 2020
- TEDxBolzanoBolzano30 Sep 2020
- TEDxTIUOnline30 Sep 2020
- Shital BadshahOnline30 Sep 2020
- VIVA MediaOnline30 Sep 2020
- Van Nguyen and Diego SanzTokyo30 Sep 2020
- Emily NguyenOnline30 Sep 2020
- Joan ChristopherOnline30 Sep 2020
- Carolynn SantosOnline30 Sep 2020
- TEDxBrianzaOnline30 Sep 2020
- Stefanie MongeOnline30 Sep 2020
- Psikocoaching ConsultingOnline30 Sep 2020
- Valentina BorgesOnline30 Sep 2020
- Joseph DoddLondon30 Sep 2020
- Joseph DoddLondon30 Sep 2020
- Bhupinder Pal KaurGurugram30 Sep 2020
- Andrea TorresOnline30 Sep 2020
- Valentina BorgesCaracas30 Sep 2020
- Christopher FinleyFresno30 Sep 2020
- Andrea TorresMargarita30 Sep 2020
- Emerald Technology Group IncOnline30 Sep 2020
- TED Circles teamOnline30 Sep 2020
- Luis Vicente GarciaOnline30 Sep 2020
- XR BanburyOnline30 Sep 2020
- TEDxTorontoOnline30 Sep 2020
- Mariyam Shathrath ShakirMale30 Sep 2020
- Eddie YingSan Francisco30 Sep 2020
- Starlett HendersonOnline30 Sep 2020
- Rasha TiozonOnline30 Sep 2020
- Lorraine LloydOnline30 Sep 2020
- Isaac Marti Ubeda GonzalezOnline30 Sep 2020
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - The New York Public LibraryOnline30 Sep 2020
- Rasha TiozonOnline30 Sep 2020
- TEDxTangamangaOnline30 Sep 2020
- Fadia BourbiaConstantine30 Sep 2020
- Jade BrownNew York30 Sep 2020
- Rushank GoyalOnline30 Sep 2020
- Mohammad AlkhudariOnline30 Sep 2020
- TEDxSantaCruzdelaSierraOnline30 Sep 2020
- TEDxSriSairamITOnline30 Sep 2020
- Trisha Bhattacharya and Atrik SahaMumbai01 Oct 2020
- Lukas BierfreundVallendar01 Oct 2020
- TEDxDelStateUOnline01 Oct 2020
- Julio Cesar GarciaQuito01 Oct 2020
- Renata FreitasOnline01 Oct 2020
- Renata FreitasOnline01 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline01 Oct 2020
- Ereny MoawadOnline01 Oct 2020
- Los Angeles Public Library Business and Economics DepartmentOnline01 Oct 2020
- Eric LangermannStrasbourg01 Oct 2020
- TEDxDelStateUOnline01 Oct 2020
- Renata FreitasSao Jose dos Campos01 Oct 2020
- Nikki GuralnekOnline01 Oct 2020
- Dolapo AdeyemiWallington01 Oct 2020
- Raffaele AmodeoOnline01 Oct 2020
- Jade BrownNew York01 Oct 2020
- Arianna PalomoOnline01 Oct 2020
- Sanela Cakaric BojicOnline02 Oct 2020
- CSV Lombardia SudCremona02 Oct 2020
- Rajalakshmi PrithvirajOnline02 Oct 2020
- TEDxYouth@FerhadijaSarajevo02 Oct 2020
- Nessrine BerramaParis02 Oct 2020
- Asha PrasadBangalore02 Oct 2020
- Futureshot FactoryOnline02 Oct 2020
- Ubuntu Culture LLCOnline02 Oct 2020
- Pia DabaMenlo Park02 Oct 2020
- Jade BrownOnline02 Oct 2020
- Mohammed AmaanHyderabad02 Oct 2020
- VisionVoice Inc.Online02 Oct 2020
- Adebola AdefioyeOnline03 Oct 2020
- Marcos FilhoOnline03 Oct 2020
- TEDxESPEOnline03 Oct 2020
- TEDxESPEOnline03 Oct 2020
- Hecha BolsaOnline03 Oct 2020
- Edric SuburSingapore03 Oct 2020
- Activate Mental HealthPerth03 Oct 2020
- Yosri AzabouOnline03 Oct 2020
- Adebola AdefioyeOnline03 Oct 2020
- Alex Bejasa and Miguel DomingoOnline03 Oct 2020
- Bill WongOnline03 Oct 2020
- Mukund Hari NathanyOnline03 Oct 2020
- William LambeOnline03 Oct 2020
- Muhammad AbidOnline03 Oct 2020
- The BuildingBlocks Learning CentreOnline03 Oct 2020
- Siju KumarOnline03 Oct 2020
- TEDxLeamingtonSpaOnline04 Oct 2020
- Benessere Animale Collateral Healings International Community Interest CompanyOnline04 Oct 2020
- TEDxFrankfurtOnline04 Oct 2020
- Tianmei's World AcademyOnline04 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline04 Oct 2020
- Rajalakshmi PrithvirajOnline04 Oct 2020
- Nurture Culture LLCOnline04 Oct 2020
- Dani Alfonzo and Emilio Bujosa TatoOnline04 Oct 2020
- University of the Third AgeOnline05 Oct 2020
- TEDxTangamangaSan Luis Potosi05 Oct 2020
- Antonis TriantafyllakisOnline05 Oct 2020
- Faith BogonkoNairobi05 Oct 2020
- TEDxKCMTOnline06 Oct 2020
- Marcia PlatilhaNova Lima06 Oct 2020
- Christine Charnock and Ian CunninghamOnline06 Oct 2020
- Christine Charnock and Ian CunninghamMississauga06 Oct 2020
- Christine Charnock and Ian CunninghamNewmarket06 Oct 2020
- Uwaye SoetanOnline06 Oct 2020
- TED Circles teamOnline06 Oct 2020
- Charles MonkOnline06 Oct 2020
- The Bute GroupOnline06 Oct 2020
- TEDxFromeOnline06 Oct 2020
- Elena AccorintiOnline07 Oct 2020
- Dorothy ShecklerOnline07 Oct 2020
- Matt StewartOnline07 Oct 2020
- TEDxSalisburyUniversityOnline07 Oct 2020
- Anudeep Varma VinnakotaVisakhapatnam07 Oct 2020
- Aditi GuptaNew Delhi07 Oct 2020
- Patrick McAndrewNew York07 Oct 2020
- Pia DabaMenlo Park07 Oct 2020
- PUC MinasBelo Horizonte07 Oct 2020
- Tina BrunetOnline07 Oct 2020
- R3 Strategic SearchCedarburg08 Oct 2020
- Box for HealthOnline08 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline08 Oct 2020
- Lindsey MosierOnline08 Oct 2020
- Siju KumarChennai08 Oct 2020
- Sreela GillamsOnline08 Oct 2020
- TEDxLancasterOnline08 Oct 2020
- TEDxVillaUrquizaOnline08 Oct 2020
- Siju Kumar PadmanabhanChennai08 Oct 2020
- Grace Ridge Brewing Inc.Homer08 Oct 2020
- Rebecca JohnsonLa Jolla09 Oct 2020
- Nancy PerryOnline09 Oct 2020
- Abeer AwadOnline09 Oct 2020
- Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical CultureOnline09 Oct 2020
- TED Circles teamOnline09 Oct 2020
- Ricky WilliamsBowie09 Oct 2020
- TEDxLuxembourgCityOnline09 Oct 2020
- Gustavo TisseraBarcelona09 Oct 2020
- Dena WigginsOnline09 Oct 2020
- TEDxLongBeachLong Beach10 Oct 2020
- TEDxTangamangaOnline10 Oct 2020
- Nada JankovicovaBratislava10 Oct 2020
- Ceyda OnerIstanbul10 Oct 2020
- Sharanya Narayani International SchoolBangalore10 Oct 2020
- Jeff HouOnline10 Oct 2020
- IBS HyderabadOnline10 Oct 2020
- Geevarathna GeevarathnaOnline10 Oct 2020
- Elizabeth TaylorOnline10 Oct 2020
- Roberto GejmanOnline10 Oct 2020
- Mariam Saeed KhanOnline10 Oct 2020
- TEDxCharoenkrungBangkok10 Oct 2020
- TEDxBogotaOnline10 Oct 2020
- Encores LifeWorkOnline10 Oct 2020
- Elena CresciaOnline10 Oct 2020
- Talent ReunionJeddah10 Oct 2020
- Lakshmi Swathi GandhamOnline10 Oct 2020
- TEDxKankeRanchi10 Oct 2020
- Deb MukherjiDelhi10 Oct 2020
- TEDxCharoenkrungBangkok11 Oct 2020
- Carrie HinesOnline11 Oct 2020
- Chakilam Vasavi SandhyaHyderabad11 Oct 2020
- Renata MoerbeckOnline11 Oct 2020
- Bob SimpsonOnline12 Oct 2020
- Silvia SolanaOnline12 Oct 2020
- TEDxTangamangaOnline12 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline12 Oct 2020
- Mosaic GeniusOnline12 Oct 2020
- Wanneroo and Communities Suicide Prevention NetworkPerth12 Oct 2020
- TEDxMacedoOnline12 Oct 2020
- Gunsu HanSuwon-si12 Oct 2020
- Denis MaziniOnline13 Oct 2020
- Janet FoutsOnline14 Oct 2020
- TEDxFerhadijaSarajevo14 Oct 2020
- Ciara MooreCambridge14 Oct 2020
- Ciara MooreCambridge14 Oct 2020
- TED Circles teamOnline14 Oct 2020
- WorkVisiblePerth14 Oct 2020
- Meredith CummingsOnline14 Oct 2020
- Adrianna McQuaidOnline15 Oct 2020
- CNandCOOnline15 Oct 2020
- WLA Sylmar - Katerina Serafimova, Joe Hanson, Ayyalasomayajula, MadhaviOnline15 Oct 2020
- Kate GardinerOnline15 Oct 2020
- Gurmeet BhallaBangalore15 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline15 Oct 2020
- Aga ChojnackaOnline15 Oct 2020
- TED Circles teamOnline15 Oct 2020
- Shandra CarlsonOnline15 Oct 2020
- Christy HopperOnline15 Oct 2020
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline15 Oct 2020
- Grant HerbonOnline15 Oct 2020
- Grant HerbonSan Antonio15 Oct 2020
- Nati TarjanyiLondon15 Oct 2020
- Dynamic Education and Tution Centre Pvt LtdOnline15 Oct 2020
- Pia DabaMenlo Park15 Oct 2020
- Rashmi WatelOnline15 Oct 2020
- Penny NorkusOnline16 Oct 2020
- Sadhan Bhattacharya and Arnab Saha and Samuel WankhedeOnline16 Oct 2020
- Dena WigginsOnline16 Oct 2020
- Nicole LeeOnline16 Oct 2020
- Melinda GroomsNashville16 Oct 2020
- Bhavyaa FnuOnline16 Oct 2020
- VIVA MediaOnline16 Oct 2020
- tilt.workOnline16 Oct 2020
- Amar BhutaAustin16 Oct 2020
- Anita JohnNew York16 Oct 2020
- Jasmin A. RehmaniOnline16 Oct 2020
- Jamila MindingallOnline16 Oct 2020
- On The Road BCCenterCuritiba16 Oct 2020
- Renata MachadoOnline16 Oct 2020
- Galit ArielOnline16 Oct 2020
- Bill WongOnline17 Oct 2020
- Sharanya Narayani International SchoolOnline17 Oct 2020
- Naren KashyapOnline17 Oct 2020
- Ursula Hahn and Claus BradtkeFunchal17 Oct 2020
- Neuropista Innovación y EstrategiaLima17 Oct 2020
- Piyush VijayanandakurupKansas City17 Oct 2020
- La Fabrique à hérosOnline17 Oct 2020
- Michael BerkeyOnline17 Oct 2020
- TEDxPutalisadakOnline17 Oct 2020
- Kayoko TakahashiOnline17 Oct 2020
- Emem OpashiOnline17 Oct 2020
- Bronagh HealeyOnline18 Oct 2020
- Ancy CherianOnline18 Oct 2020
- Chaitanya GadekarOnline18 Oct 2020
- Kayoko TakahashiOnline18 Oct 2020
- Tianmei's World AcademyOnline18 Oct 2020
- TEDxChicagoOnline19 Oct 2020
- TEDxChicagoOnline19 Oct 2020
- Antonis TriantafyllakisBerlin19 Oct 2020
- Township Library of Lower SouthamptonOnline19 Oct 2020
- Katy O'LearyOnline19 Oct 2020
- TEDxChicagoOnline20 Oct 2020
- Leanne GordonOnline20 Oct 2020
- GAPS Disability ManagementOnline20 Oct 2020
- Lindy Boeck and Sally CoffmanPhoenix20 Oct 2020
- Davide CaffiOnline20 Oct 2020
- Rachel Berg and Shonda Kohlhoff and Graham BergSt. Simon Islands20 Oct 2020
- TEDxTinHauWomenOnline20 Oct 2020
- EntevosOnline20 Oct 2020
- TEDxChicagoOnline20 Oct 2020
- Sacha ThompsonOnline20 Oct 2020
- WorkHere - Hereford Coworking SpaceHereford21 Oct 2020
- Ximena CardenasOnline21 Oct 2020
- Thania AlpizarZapopan21 Oct 2020
- TEDxWinchesterOnline21 Oct 2020
- Lyn JardineOnline22 Oct 2020
- Infinita ConsultingOnline22 Oct 2020
- Nancy PerryOnline22 Oct 2020
- MindTeam Solutions Inc.Online22 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline22 Oct 2020
- TEDxLancasterOnline22 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- Kraken TacticsOnline23 Oct 2020
- Rajagiri PanagarBangalore23 Oct 2020
- Tracy CurrieOnline23 Oct 2020
- ThinkandTalkOnline23 Oct 2020
- John Leihmar ToledoLos Banos23 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- Doria Esther BenaimCaracas23 Oct 2020
- Uchechi NworahOnline23 Oct 2020
- TEDxLuxembourgCityOnline23 Oct 2020
- Nurit YankeleivchTel Aviv24 Oct 2020
- CollegeyTacoma24 Oct 2020
- Sofia LarreaOnline24 Oct 2020
- Bill WongOnline24 Oct 2020
- Andrew GaoSan Diego24 Oct 2020
- Yuliana GaytanOnline24 Oct 2020
- Sarah BowersOnline24 Oct 2020
- TEDxKankeRanchi24 Oct 2020
- Sofia LarreaQuito24 Oct 2020
- RADIANTISMSurabaya24 Oct 2020
- TEDxRUPPPhnom Penh24 Oct 2020
- TEDxUPCOnline24 Oct 2020
- Carolina Paulino and Kelsey GuinnupOnline24 Oct 2020
- TEDxShenzhenOnline24 Oct 2020
- Pulkit SardanaDelhi25 Oct 2020
- Nicky NazarethOnline25 Oct 2020
- Action Climate StudioOnline25 Oct 2020
- Leah K StewartOnline25 Oct 2020
- TEDxUFOnline26 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline26 Oct 2020
- TEDxTangamangaOnline26 Oct 2020
- TEDxSantaCruzdelaSierraOnline26 Oct 2020
- TEDxBanburyOnline26 Oct 2020
- Mohammed Abdulogia27 Oct 2020
- Love University CorpOnline27 Oct 2020
- Psikocoaching ConsultingOnline27 Oct 2020
- Antoinette SarpongOnline27 Oct 2020
- Love University CorpOnline27 Oct 2020
- TEDxMelbourneOnline28 Oct 2020
- Courtney Little and Will AubronOnline28 Oct 2020
- Carolynn SantosOak Grove28 Oct 2020
- April Benjamin and Dawn CommunicationOnline28 Oct 2020
- April Benjamin and Dawn CommunicationLagos28 Oct 2020
- Stanbridge UniversityOnline28 Oct 2020
- Jade BrownOnline28 Oct 2020
- Thania AlpizarZapopan28 Oct 2020
- Robin PowersBuffalo28 Oct 2020
- Giacomo ManzoniMilan28 Oct 2020
- Canay AtalayOnline29 Oct 2020
- Uri NgozichukwukaLagos29 Oct 2020
- Winston LiewOnline29 Oct 2020
- Valante Grant and Vanyce GrantOnline29 Oct 2020
- Zoho Schools of LearningOnline29 Oct 2020
- TEDxColoniaMiramonteOnline29 Oct 2020
- Olive MurphyOnline29 Oct 2020
- TEDxAbbotsfordOnline29 Oct 2020
- Sinead WelshOnline29 Oct 2020
- Instructional Connections LLCFort Worth29 Oct 2020
- G2 Leadership InstituteCincinnati29 Oct 2020
- Liz KingsleyKent30 Oct 2020
- TEDxTehranOnline30 Oct 2020
- Aadhyaaa MashruFaridabad30 Oct 2020
- Emily NguyenOnline30 Oct 2020
- Lucas TibiriçáOnline30 Oct 2020
- Mohammad AlkhudariOnline30 Oct 2020
- Stella KostopoulosOnline30 Oct 2020
- Jade BrownNew York30 Oct 2020
- LeaderlixOnline30 Oct 2020
- Lois Sharbel and Sandra LawlerOnline30 Oct 2020
- TEDxCrannTreesforIrelandDublin31 Oct 2020
- Taiwo Peace OyeniyiOnline31 Oct 2020
- Starlett HendersonOnline31 Oct 2020
- Rushank GoyalOnline31 Oct 2020
- Muhammad AbidOnline31 Oct 2020
- TEDxJSPMRSCOEOnline31 Oct 2020
- Academic Leaders' Innovation ForumFaisalabad31 Oct 2020
- Hamish Stewart and Seble SamuelOnline01 Nov 2020
- Ashi BhargavaMumbai02 Nov 2020
- Lori Stevic-RustChesterland02 Nov 2020
- Doubbakh TarekAlgeria02 Nov 2020
- Ubuntu Culture LLCOnline06 Nov 2020
- Galit ArielOnline06 Nov 2020
- Hellenic Association for the Promotion of Rhetoric in EducationAthens07 Nov 2020
- Bill WongOnline07 Nov 2020
- TEDxShenzhenOnline07 Nov 2020
- Renata MoerbeckOnline08 Nov 2020
- Jose RamosGlen Allen09 Nov 2020
- Bob SimpsonOnline09 Nov 2020
- Gustavo TisseraBarcelona09 Nov 2020
- Mostafa KashefOnline10 Nov 2020
- Athena Wisdom InstituteZürich10 Nov 2020
- WorkVisiblePerth11 Nov 2020
- TEDxBogotaOnline11 Nov 2020
- PUC MinasBelo Horizonte11 Nov 2020
- Keith DyerNelspruit11 Nov 2020
- Aquila’s Nest VineyardsNewtown11 Nov 2020
- TEDxLancasterLancaster12 Nov 2020
- TEDxVillaUrquizaOnline12 Nov 2020
- Arianna PalomoOnline12 Nov 2020
- Jamila MindingallOnline13 Nov 2020
- Angeline JohnCoimbatore14 Nov 2020
- Bernadette Ancog and Rob DennisCebu City14 Nov 2020
- Elena CresciaOnline14 Nov 2020
- Talent ReunionJeddah14 Nov 2020
- Dynamic Education and Tution Centre Pvt LtdOnline15 Nov 2020
- Dynamic Education and Tution Centre Pvt LtdOnline15 Nov 2020
- Dynamic Education and Tution Centre Pvt LtdOnline15 Nov 2020
- Rogerio SoaresOnline16 Nov 2020
- Township Library of Lower SouthamptonOnline16 Nov 2020
- Vikas Kumar and Arun KumarHyderabad16 Nov 2020
- TEDxWinchesterOnline17 Nov 2020
- Greg WoodChandler17 Nov 2020
- TEDxTinHauWomenOnline17 Nov 2020
- EntevosOnline17 Nov 2020
- Denis MaziniOnline17 Nov 2020
- Sarah BowersOnline18 Nov 2020
- Serene SengSingapore18 Nov 2020
- Queila MoraesNiteroi19 Nov 2020
- Stella KostopoulosOnline20 Nov 2020
- On The Road BCCenterCuritiba20 Nov 2020
- TEDxUPCOnline21 Nov 2020
- TEDxPutalisadakOnline21 Nov 2020
- Bill WongOnline21 Nov 2020
- Chakilam Vasavi SandhyaHyderabad22 Nov 2020
- Louisa MkhabelaTshwane22 Nov 2020
- Encores LifeWorkNew Delhi22 Nov 2020
- TEDxLancasterLancaster24 Nov 2020
- TEDxSantaCruzdelaSierraOnline26 Nov 2020
- Sinead WelshOnline26 Nov 2020
- Zoho Schools of LearningOnline26 Nov 2020
- LeaderlixOnline27 Nov 2020
- Ilya IvanovStavropol28 Nov 2020
- TEDxJSPMRSCOEOnline28 Nov 2020
- April Benjamin and Dawn CommunicationLagos28 Nov 2020
- Emem OpashiOnline28 Nov 2020
- Lu ZhangSingapore30 Nov 2020
- Rushank GoyalOnline30 Nov 2020
- Mohammad AlkhudariOnline30 Nov 2020
- Lavisha DAl Ain01 Dec 2020
- Eileen BartholomewPortland01 Dec 2020
- Massy OpicoSan Salvador03 Dec 2020
- Stanbridge UniversityOnline03 Dec 2020
- Bill WongOnline05 Dec 2020
- EntevosOnline08 Dec 2020
- PUC MinasBelo Horizonte09 Dec 2020
- TEDxWinchesterOnline10 Dec 2020
- TEDxVillaUrquizaOnline10 Dec 2020
- Finwell Inc.Online10 Dec 2020
- TEDxLancasterLancaster10 Dec 2020
- Lakshmi Swathi GandhamOnline10 Dec 2020
- Encores LifeWorkNew Delhi12 Dec 2020
- Elena CresciaOnline12 Dec 2020
- Bill WongOnline12 Dec 2020
- TEDxBogotaOnline12 Dec 2020
- Carolina AmézquitaGuadalajara13 Dec 2020
- Renata MoerbeckOnline13 Dec 2020
- Township Library of Lower SouthamptonOnline14 Dec 2020
- Dynamic Education and Tuition Centre Pvt LtdOnline15 Dec 2020
- Denis MaziniOnline15 Dec 2020
- Charles A. CudjoeAbuja15 Dec 2020
- Sarah BowersOnline16 Dec 2020
- WorkVisiblePerth16 Dec 2020
- LeaderlixOnline17 Dec 2020
- Vijendra KumarOnline17 Dec 2020
- Stella KostopoulosOnline18 Dec 2020
- Jamila MindingallOnline18 Dec 2020
- Chakilam Vasavi SandhyaHyderabad20 Dec 2020
- TEDxLancasterLancaster22 Dec 2020
- Dennis BatonDanao25 Dec 2020
- TEDxZanjanOnline25 Dec 2020
- Mohammad AlkhudariOnline29 Dec 2020
- Pramod JoshiNoida01 Jan 2021
- Obour STEM SchoolOnline06 Jan 2021
- Ibrahim HammadOnline08 Jan 2021
- PUC MinasOnline13 Jan 2021
- Sreela GillamsOnline14 Jan 2021
- Stanbridge UniversityOnline19 Jan 2021
- Inclusive StartupsOnline19 Jan 2021
- April Benjamin and Dawn CommunicationLagos28 Jan 2021
- LeaderlixOnline29 Jan 2021
- World Tour OperatorGenoa31 Jan 2021
- Fu MinghaoYan Cheng08 Feb 2021
- Bob SimpsonOnline09 Feb 2021
- PUC MinasOnline10 Feb 2021
- Bannari Amman Institute of TechnologyPerambalur22 Feb 2021
- LeaderlixOnline26 Feb 2021
- Uri NgozichukwukaLagos28 Feb 2021
- PUC MinasOnline10 Mar 2021
- April Benjamin and Dawn CommunicationLagos28 Mar 2021
- PUC MinasOnline14 Apr 2021
- Uri NgozichukwukaLagos25 May 2021
- PUC MinasOnline09 Jun 2021
- Fred KagameKigali20 Jun 2021
- Romanian Academy of Medical ScienceOnline20 Jun 2021
- PUC MinasOnline14 Jul 2021
- Uri NgozichukwukaLagos26 Jul 2021
- PUC MinasOnline11 Aug 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline01 Sep 2021
- PUC MinasOnline08 Sep 2021
- PUC MinasOnline13 Oct 2021
- PUC MinasOnline10 Nov 2021
- PUC MinasOnline08 Dec 2021
- PUC MinasOnline12 Jan 2022
About TED Circles
TED Circles is a global community of small groups who discuss big ideas together. We believe in the power of ideas and frequent, face-to-face conversations to positively impact ourselves, our communities, and our world. Through TED Circles, a host can invite their friends, neighbors, strangers, or a mix - many who have not attended TED or TEDx events - into their home, school, office, and more to discuss a variety of interesting topics. TED provides monthly themes, recommended talks, and specific conversation starters so the host can focus on engaging everyone in constructive conversations. Here’s a summary of what TED Circles are and are not:
- They are volunteer-hosted, small, face-to-face (in-person, online) gatherings where topics are safely discussed.
- They are not a TED event, they are not a club or a one-off gathering, and they do not sell things or raise money.
FAQs
TED Circles are purposefully easy to adopt so they occur regularly plus they are easy to adapt so they reflect hosts’ and guests' style. With many possibilities come many questions:
Who can host a TED Circle?
Anyone! Register to host TED Circles.
Who can participate in a TED Circle?
Hosts invite guests to participate in their Circle.
What is discussed during a TED Circle?
TED provides monthly themes with aligned talks and questions to support, not limit hosts. Hosts are welcome to select any content that relates to the monthly theme. Further, hosts may suggest guests watch the content independently beforehand or together at the beginning of the TED Circle.
Where do TED Circles take place?
Taking place in-person and online, locations for TED Circles include yet are not limited to: homes, parks, cafes, schools, workplaces, libraries, and video calls.
When do TED Circles take place?
Scheduling can be set by the host or collaboratively agreed with guests. TED Circles are intended to last between 1-2 hours and occur at least monthly.
If you have additional questions, please email tedcircles@ted.com
Rules of engagement
TED Circles is an open community which welcomes everyone who believes in TED's values and wishes to engage in constructive conversations about ideas. A volunteer-powered platform calls for some ground rules.
Each Circle is independent but all TED Circles are connected virtually and through a shared brand. Hosts and Circles that do not adhere to the spirit and rules of the program or harm the community in any way will be removed from the program and must discontinue the use of the TED Circles brand. If you notice non-compliance, please email tedcircles@ted.com.
Tell the world about your Circle
Every TED Circles host is required to annually register as a host and register each TED Circles event they host. This does not mean that the Circle is open to the public - hosts decide if the Circle is closed (by invitation only) or open (accepting new participants) - but it provides official designation as a TED Circle.
Show off your TED Circles affiliation
When a TED Circle is registered and active, the host may present themselves as a TED Circles host and use TED-provided TED Circles logo and designs. Always be clear that TED Circles are volunteer-hosted gatherings, not TED events produced by TED staff, and accordingly use the TED Circles logo, not the TED logo.
Be cool
Hosting is a big opportunity and responsibility. Each TED Circles host must ensure the safety and comfort of their guests.
Do it for public good
TED Circles is a volunteer endeavor and free to attend. Hosts may ask for in-kind contributions (such as food and meeting space). Hosts and guests may not use TED Circles to gain revenue sponsorship, make money, raise funds, or organize crowdfunding.
Focus on ideas
TED Circles uphold the spirit of TED, focusing on the power of ideas. Welcoming a wide range of perspectives, TED Circles encourage equal participation within a safe environment that promotes curiosity, inclusion, debate, and impact. Agendas and self-promotion have no place in these conversations.