TED Circles is an open platform of small groups that engage in conversations about ideas.
Hosted by volunteers, Circles watch and discuss a TED Talk and then share takeaways online to consider each other’s perspectives and create a global conversation. That conversation needs everyone so we hope you'll join as a host (registration below) and/or guest (monthly sign-ups below).
Circles can take place 100% virtually so they are helping communities stay connected, especially now. And in addition to monthly themes, there is special programming each month about what’s going on in the world so Circles’ discussions are as meaningful and relevant as possible.
The video illustrates how Circles work (in-person and online) and why TED believes in them.
Host a TED Circle
Anyone can host a TED Circle! Volunteers are required to register as a host and list each gathering. Once registered, you receive host resources, gain the ability to list the date and location of your Circles, and join a growing global community of TED Circle hosts.
You are responsible for finding a location, inviting people to participate, selecting a Talk related to the monthly theme, and facilitating a productive conversation. Hosting is an important role and TED wants to help you be a great host!
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Register hereThis Month
August | How change happensJoin an online Circle hosted by TED
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?
Upcoming months
September | Leading with curiosityJoin an online Circle hosted by TED
Nadya MasonHow to spare 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?
Previous months
September | World of wonder
Greta ThunbergThe disarming case to act right now on climate change
Conversation starters
- Why do you think we "carry on like before" when it comes to climate change?
- How persuasive do you find Greta's argument?
- What do you think about students striking on behalf of the climate?
- What are some ways to change the rules and save the world? (Think local, then global)
Jennifer KahnGene editing can now change an entire species — forever
Conversation starters
- Are you encouraged or concerned about the impact of gene drive technology editing human nature?
- What are the benefits and risks of using the technology and of not using the technology?
- What decisions about this technology can be made at a local level versus those that require regional or global governance?
- Is there a species on which you would feel comfortable experimenting with this technology?
Barbara J. KingGrief and love in the animal kingdom
Conversation starters
- Are we anthropomorphizing animals by assigning them human-defined emotions?
- Do you believe that animals grieve? Why?
- Is it necessary/helpful to empathize with another species?
- Has this talk changed your mind about eating meat?
Stephen WebbWhere are all the aliens?
Conversation starters
- How does the idea of intelligent life beyond humans — or the idea of humans being alone in the universe — make you feel?
- What's the value of looking for alien civilizations if we're actually alone?
- If it turns out there is intelligent life on other planets, what's the first thing we should ask them?
- Do you agree with Stephen's conclusion that we're all alone? Why (not)?
October | How to be a better human
Margaret HeffernanThe human skills we need in an unpredictable world
Conversation starters
- What is your view on the priority governments, companies, organizations and people place on technology-driven efficiency?
- In what areas could the world stand become more efficient?
- How has technology affected human skills such as preparedness, coalition-building, humility, imagination, and bravery? How could technology empower human skills?
- Having considered this idea, which skills will you intentionally engage?
Maja JovanovicHow apologies kill our confidence
Conversation starters
- How often do you find yourself making unnecessary apologies? What leads you to apologize in these moments?
- If a colleague is 20 minutes late, would you rather them say, "I'm sorry for being late" or "Thank you for waiting for me?"
- Do you find this phenomenon of saying "sorry" is related to gender? In your experience, do women tend to apologize more than men?
- Additional resource: Ideas blog post
Matt WalkerSleep is your superpower
Conversation starters
- Would you be willing to have brain surgery to get the implant that amplifies deep sleep? Why or why not?
- How often do you get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep a night?
- What keeps you from sleeping more?
- What social/technological/lifestyle changes might result if people got enough sleep?
Christer MjåsetWhy your doctor needs your help to battle over-treatment
Conversation starters
- Have you asked your doctor these questions? If not, why not? If so, what was their response?
- Do you have a relationship with your doctor that supports these conversations?
- Having considered this idea, how much more inclined are you to ask your doctor these questions?
- Additional resource: Ideas blog post
November | Justice and society
Carole CadwalladrFacebook's role in Brexit - and the threat to democracy
Conversation starters
- Is there a way to harness social media for democratic good? (Additional resource: Pia Mancini's Talk)
- How do you think social media has generally changed the global political climate?
- What is your stance on Facebook given the meddling supported by the platform's technology?
- Do you think your elected officials are capable of addressing these issues to re-establish democracy?
Bryan StevensonWe need to talk about an injustice
Conversation starters
- If justice is the opposite of poverty, what are you doing/think needs to be done to fight the injustice of poverty?
- How can you begin to solve poverty and incarceration given their disproportionate effects on marginalized communities?
- Where does courage come into play with tackling injustice?
- How can our visions of technology, entertainment, and design connect with our visions of humanity, compassion, and justice?
Benedetta BertiDid the global response to 9/11 make us safer?
Conversation starters
- Are human rights core to the political discourse in your country?
- Do you feel more or less secure than you did before 9/11, 10 years ago, last year?
- What changed for you after 9/11? Share your thoughts, experiences, perspectives, and/or patterns you’ve noticed in the wider world.
- How achievable are the suggested solutions? Do you have suggestions of what could be implemented in your own communities now?
Melanie NezerThe fundamental right to seek asylum
Conversation starters
- What parallels are there between the refugee crisis in Europe and the Mediterranean?
- What responsibility do countries have for stabilizing these regions beyond accepting asylum seekers?
- How does storytelling factor into shaping the refugee conversation?
- What do you hope is the future of the refugee crisis - politically and generally?
December | Money matters
David BurkusWhy you should know how much your coworkers get paid
Conversation starters
- Do you know how your pay compares with your peers? How, if at all, is compensation discussed at your workplace? Do you think salaries should be shared? Why or why not?
- Is there anyone with whom you have shared/are comfortable sharing your salary? If yes, what makes that relationship different from others?
- If you could see your colleagues’ salary so long as you shared yours, would you do it? Why or why not?
- David reveals that pay transparency can increase fairness and collaboration in the workplace and decrease the gender wage gap. Do you think there are other workplace challenges that pay transparency could address?
Tammy LallyLet's get honest about our money problems
Conversation starters
- Tammy and her brother grew up with the idea that “more money [would] make [them] happy.” What ideas about money have you inherited from your upbringing? Do you still follow them?
- Why do you think we hide our problems around money? (sit silent in money shame)
- Do you or people you know equate financial-worth with self-worth?
- What are the explicit and implicit messages about money that can be used so money is openly discussed in a helpful way?
Nick HanauerThe dirty secret of capitalism - and a new way forward
Conversation starters
- What’s your view on neoliberal economic assumptions (e.g. raising wages kills jobs, people are paid what they are worth, humans are rational and selfish)? Is that different after you watched the Talk?
- To whom do you think corporations should be accountable (e.g. shareholders, customers, workers, community)?
- Nick is using his wealth to drive legislative changes that require the rich to pay more taxes and increase the minimum wage. What choices and actions can we make to create a more equitable, prosperous, and more sustainable society? What successful examples come to mind? (e.g. cooperative businesses, B-corps, The anti-CEO playbook)
- What keeps neoliberal countries from building a more cooperative society? How do socialist and communist countries promote cooperation? What can socialism, communism, and neoliberalism learn from each other?
Raj RaghunathanWould winning the lottery make you happier?
Conversation starters
- What surprised you most about the connection between happiness and wealth?
- What positive or negative things have you become used to (your hedonic treadmill)?
- How would you spend 1 million USD (4m Brazilian Real/7m Chinese Yuan/71m Indian Rupee)?
- If money can’t buy happiness, what are some of the ways that you’ve found to increase your happiness?
January | The future
Bina VenkataramanThe power to think ahead in a reckless age
Conversation starters
- What are we failing to imagine (e.g. risks, natural disasters, etc…) that consequently jeopardizes our future?
- Venkataraman calls for tools to help us think ahead. What tools do you think are helpful in fostering foresight?
- Which of Jain's imagined futures motivate you to act now to create a better future?
- In what instances have you thought of yourself as a descendant? An ancestor? Both? How does that affect the way you think of leaving behind resources that can adapted over time? (Additional resource: Ideas blog post)
Anthony GoldbloomThe jobs we’ll lose to machines and those we won’t
Conversation starters
- How much of your work is “frequent, high-volume tasks” that a machine could perform versus “novel situations” that machines cannot do? How does that make you feel? What does that make you want to do?
- How can we make the economy more equitable for the people who will lose their jobs to machines?
- Do you see machines as a support or as an enemy?
- How would your life be different if a machine did some of your responsibilities? Would you be happier? Would you make less income? Would you have more time?
Henrietta ForeHow we can help young people build a better future
Conversation starters
- What skills do you think young people need most to be prepared for the future?
- How should education evolve in order to train them for the future?
- To inform the solutions you propose for the future, what questions would you want to ask young people? (Additional resource: Mara Mintzer’s Talk)
- Fore shares programs initiated by Argentina, South Africa, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Lebanon. What does your country need to do to help young people feel safe enough to focus on their future?
Herman NarulaThe transformative power of video games
Conversation starters
- Has this Talk changed your perspective on video games? If yes, how so? If not, why not?
- Narula predicts video games will significantly impact society in the next five years. What are some seemingly ‘ignorable ideas’ that have gone on to change society? What is similar/dissimilar between those ideas and video games?
- Real world experiences have consequences while video game experiences are simulated interactions. What are the benefits and risks of billions more people engaging in simulated interactions? (Additional resource: Jan McGonigal’s Talk)
- If games can help us connect, collaborate, empathize, and earn income, does it matter that they are not real?
February | How we love
Helen FisherTechnology hasn’t changed love. Here’s why
Conversation starters
- Have you observed attractions that confirm or counter Fisher's study (e.g. curious attracts curious, traditional attracts traditional, and analytical attracts nurturing)? Which type most resonates with you? Why?
- How are choice and love connected in your culture? Do you think the paradox of choice stunts or stimulates love? Why?
- What did/would you want to know about a partner before committing to a relationship and/or getting married?
- How do you think technology has or has not changed our “drive to love”? To Perel’s question, what does the shift in priority from economic support to “respect, trust, humor, quality time, and attraction” mean for the nature of love?
Andrew SolomonLove no matter what
Conversation starters
- What identities do you have in common with your parents and/or children? Which identities are uniquely yours? How does that overlap make it easier or more challenging to love your parents and/or children?
- What do you think is/would be challenging about loving children with their differences? How can you prepare yourself to love unconditionally?
- How should education evolve in order to help families “love no matter what”?
- Solomon says, “diversity of affection and family strengthens the atmosphere of kindness.” How can we foster a society that accepts “additive models of love”?
Shasta NelsonFrientimacy, the 3 requirements of all healthy friendships
Conversation starters
- How loved and supported do you feel by your friends? How do you cultivate friendships where both of you feel seen?
- Nelson’s formula includes positivity, consistency, and vulnerability. Which one(s) could help your friendships the most? How can you create space for more of that in your friendships in the near future?
- Why do you think connectedness is correlated with the significant health issues Nelson cites? How does that make you feel?
- Is there anyone in whom you want to invest more “P, C, or V” so they “move up the friendtimacy triangle”? If yes, what makes you want to invest in this friendship? What action will you take to invest in this friendship?
Katie HoodThe difference between healthy and unhealthy love
Conversation starters
- What is your response to the spectrums of healthy-to-unhealthy behaviors that Hood describes? (e.g. exhilarating-to-intense, independent-to-isolating, flirtatious-to-jealous, encouraging-to-belittling, steady-to-volatile)
- In what instances have you experienced the early warning signs of unhealthy love? Did you realize it at the time? If so, how? If not, what helped you realize it?
- What aspects of your life have/could improve because of experiencing healthy love?
- How do you think young people should be taught the difference between healthy and unhealthy love?
March | Who has power
Eric Liu How to understand power
Conversation starters
- In the civic arena, which source of power do you experience most often? How does it affect you?
- Can you think of a time when you had power in the civic arena (e.g. you led a discussion, volunteered to help others achieve a goal)? If so, what checks and balances, if any, were in place to keep you from abusing your position?
- How can 'power' and 'powerlessness' be balanced? What can you do to be more powerful in everyday life? (Additional resource: Ideas blog post)
- Choose a topic that your local officials are debating and you feel strongly about. Using the citizenship skills described, what strategies might you use to engage in the debate?
Dave MeslinThe antidote to apathy
Conversation starters
- Meslin redefines apathy as a “complex web of cultural barriers that reinforces disengagement”. With that interpretation, what rating would you give to the apathy of your community? Why?
- How much is your community supporting or discouraging your involvement? How does that impact the trust you have in your community?
- Which two of Meslin's catalysts (e.g. city hall, public space, media, leadership, political parties, charitable status, elections) do you think are the most influential in your society? Why?
- Meslin offers suggestions on how to knock down the barriers to engagement. Which do you think would be most impactful? What are some methods not mentioned in the talk that might encourage more participation?
Tristan HarrisHow a handful of tech companies control billions of minds every day
Conversation starters
- Harris argues that as a consequence of maintaining our attention, tech companies are eroding our agency, changing our relationships, and altering our conversations. How have you encountered this in your life? How do you feel about it?
- How do you think Harris' three changes might help us regain power over these unintended consequences? (e.g. acknowledge we are persuadable, hold the persuader accountable to the goals of the persuadee, design to empower the things people want.)
- Do you think it is possible for tech companies to foster meaningful connections while remaining profitable, or is the attention-grabbing, “race to the bottom” the only means of survival? Why/why not?
- Harris imagines a social media that helps us gather offline with the people we care about or redirects controversial conversations to hosted dinner parties. What ideas do you have to reformulate our interactions with social media so it is more of a help than a hindrance?
Pia ManciniHow to upgrade democracy for the internet age
Conversation starters
- How do you respond to our political systems: with more silence (disengagement) or with more noise (engagement)?
- How much do you trust your country's political system? How much more would you trust it if your representatives voted in accordance with what citizens decided on a democracy app?
- Mancini encourages networks and technologies to build alliances, not power vacuums, to be heard. “If the internet is the new printing press”, what democratic institutions do you want to build in the new internet era? (Additional resource: Ideas blog post)
- Mancini believes “our political system can be transformed, not by subverting it [or] destroying it, but by rewiring it with the tools that [the] internet affords us now.” What kind of tech-based upgrades would you like to see implemented in your political system?
March | Special programming
Alanna ShaikhWhy COVID-19 is hitting us now and how to prepare for the next outbreak
Conversation starters
- What did you learn about the COVID-19 virus that surprises you? What can we learn from its similarities and differences with past pandemics (e.g. smallpox, flu, HIV/AIDS) that can help us now?
- What can you do to minimize the spread of germs? How can you remind yourself to do those things?
- In terms of preparedness, what do you think your country is doing well, and which of your country’s systems would you like to see improved for this and future pandemics?
- How could countries work together in order to create a global healthcare system?
TED-Ed LessonHow do germs spread (and why do they make us sick)?
Conversation starters
- How is the spread of the “just right” rhinovirus similar to COVID-19? Why do you think its “mode of transportation” is so different from germs transmitted by insects, water or food?
- As shared in this video, what are the benefits of staying home when you are sick? What other benefits come to mind?
- This lesson lists “disease control methods” like mosquito proofing houses, clean water systems and staying home when we get sick. What else can people or governments do to prevent the spread of germs?
- What can you do to keep yourself clean from germs that are in the air and on surfaces around you? How can you remind yourself to do those things?
- Additional resource: TED-Ed offers customizable lesson plans (searchable by age-level and subject) and provides a Lesson creator so you can write your own!
TED ConnectsCommunity and Hope
Conversation starters
- Susan David | How to be your best self in a time of crisis
- Bill Gates | The healthcare systems we must urgently fix
- Gary Liu | What we can learn from China’s response to the coronavirus
- Seth Berkley | The quest for the coronavirus vaccine
- Priya Parker | How to create meaningful connections while apart
April | A changing world
Kate RaworthA healthy economy should be designed to thrive, not grow
Conversation starters
- How did this talk redefine your perceptions of economic growth, if at all?
- Where do you think your own country is in the five stages of growth?
- Which industries in your country do you feel need the most change to fit within the doughnut?
- What examples or models have you seen in your community that place greater emphasis on social and ecological responsibility? If there isn’t a greater emphasis, what would you like to see? (Additional resource: get involved today in TED’s new initiative, Countdown)
Brett HennigWhat if we replaced politicians with randomly selected people
Conversation starters
- Would you trust randomly selected representatives more or less than elected ones? Why?
- “Would it be better” than your country’s current system? (Additional resource: Yuval Noah Harari’s Talk)
- How would you feel if you were selected to take part in a citizen senate?
- Which of Hening’s ideas for helping democracies “get from here to there” do you like the most? What other ideas do you have?
Wanis KabbajHow nationalism and globalism can coexist
Conversation starters
- Do you feel stronger about nationalism or globalism — considering the political climate in your country and abroad — after listening to Kabbaj’s talk? Explain. What would you propose as the third option?
- How have nationalist — or globalist — perspectives affected the way your country is run, if at all?
- Think about your country's foods, traditions, arts, and sports. How many originated from or were inspired by other cultures? If unsure, speculate about cultures that share apparent similarities.
- Would you consider yourself a citizen of the world? Why or why not?
George MonbiotThe new political story that could change everything
Conversation starters
- Monbiot challenges past economic models, advocates for participatory democracy, and calls for networks that welcome members from differing communities. Which of these would you add and/or remove from your version of a new world order?
- How could a new restoration story nurture the more generous sides of human nature (e.g. altruism, cooperation, empathy) and help move our societies forward?
- Following the framework Monbiot repeats throughout his talk, develop your own economic restoration story, either individually or collectively. What are the nefarious forces? Who stars in the hero role? How do they win the fight and restore harmony to the land?
- Aside from economics, what’s another story you would like to see replaced?
April | Special programming
Kelly McGonigalHow to make stress your friend
Conversation starters
- McGonigal asks the audience to classify their stress in the past year as being a little, a moderate amount or a lot. Which of these matches your own stress level in the last year? This last month? Has this talk changed your perception of this rating? Why or why not?
- According to McGonigal, the stress hormone oxytocin can “motivate you to seek support”. Can you recall a time when stress increased positive social interactions? What made those relationships beneficial? (Additional resource: Heidi Grant’s Talk)
- Using these learnings, what are things you can do differently when you feel stressed?
- The speaker says she spent over a decade “demonizing” stress as the enemy until new research gave her a “whole new appreciation for stress.” When was the last time your viewpoint on an issue flipped for the better? What led you to change your outlook?
TED Ed-LessonHow to practice effectively...for just about anything
Conversation starters
- What skills are you currently practicing? Which are your favorite parts and which do you not enjoy as much? What are some ways you could make the not-so-fun parts more fun (or easier to endure)?
- Think about people in your life or your favorite athlete, musician, fictional character, etc. How much do you think they practice to hone their skills? What do you think is the most important part of their practice and why?
- If you could be anything, what would you want to be? (Dream big or small, real or purely imaginary — unicorns, wizards, inanimate objects, etc. permitted.) What would your day look like? What skills would you need? How would you practice those skills?
- Think about your responsibilities now. What prepared you to handle those responsibilities? Now imagine your dream job. What kind of skills or improvements could you work toward in order to be ready for that job? If inspired, write a list of actions to get closer to that goal.
- And a joke... Question: How do you get to your nearest music hall? Answer: Practice, practice, practice!
- Additional resource: TED-Ed offers customizable lesson plans (searchable by age-level and subject), a Lesson creator so you can write your own, and daily challenges!
TED ConnectsCommunity and Hope
Conversation starters
- Susan David | How to be your best self in a time of crisis
- Bill Gates | The healthcare systems we must urgently fix
- Gary Liu | What we can learn from China’s response to the coronavirus
- Seth Berkley | The quest for the coronavirus vaccine
- Priya Parker | How to create meaningful connections while apart
May | Life at its fullestJoin an online Circle hosted by TED
Ingrid Fetell LeeWhere joy hides and how to find it
Conversation starters
- Fetell Lee argues that those in the West are obsessed with the pursuit of happiness, yet in the process, overlook joy. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
- The speaker’s investigation led her to discover the aesthetics of joy: common patterns like round things, pops of bright colors, objects in abundance, and a sense of lightness. Where did you last encounter a “little moment of joy”?
- Our built environments often lack the aesthetics of joy. Can you think of two places in your community that would benefit from an overhaul? Using some of the techniques highlighted in the talk, or ideas you may have of your own, what would you do to improve them?
- “Joy is about feeling good in the moment, right now.” What’s one thing you can do right now (or a little later today) that will bring you joy?
Emily Esfahani SmithThere's more to life than being happy
Conversation starters
- After listening to the talk, do you believe there’s a difference between happiness and having meaning? If comfortable, share a short anecdote from your own life that supports your position.
- Of the four pillars that Esfahani Smith offers (belonging, purpose, transcendence and storytelling), which do you think you’re doing well with and which do you feel you could focus on more?
- In what ways — small and large — have you, or someone in your life, tried to lead with love? Are there any short stories you’d like to share?
- Does this talk help change What did this talk do to help change how you see and interact with yourself and others? If so, how?
Robert WaldingerWhat makes a good life - lessons from the longest study on happiness
Conversation starters
- Was there anything from the study and its learnings that surprised you?
- Beyond the three big lessons, what have you learned in your own life about relationships that is (or is not) covered in the talk?
- Are there other cultures, or your own, that already implement the lessons shared in this talk? If yes, what are they and do you think they can be modified for long-distance, close-quarters, or vice-versa?
- What other ideas — besides those Waldinger listed toward the end of his talk (like doing something new with a friend / partner or reaching out to family you’ve lost touch with) — do you suggest to create long, fulfilling relationships?
Michael BushThis is what makes employees happy at work
Conversation starters
- Do you think Bush’s ideas would have traction in your current community or workplace? Why or why not?
- If implemented, which of the 4 ideas would make the most difference to your work environment?
- Have you experienced a cultural shift (for the better) in a workplace? What made it successful?
- What other ways — small or large — could leaders boost worker happinesses, without resorting to office place perks like game rooms and free scooters?
June | ResilienceJoin an online Circle hosted by TED
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?
July | Designing with humanityJoin an online Circle hosted by TED
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?
Suggest other themes and talks here
Find a TED Circle
Here are upcoming Circles to which hosts invite their guests. If you would like to attend a Circle, join one hosted by our team (sign up link is under the monthly theme)!
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- Winston LiewOnline27 Aug 2020
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- The Course ConsultantOnline28 Aug 2020
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- On The Road BCCenterCuritiba20 Nov 2020
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- LeaderlixOnline27 Nov 2020
- April Benjamin and Dawn Communication limitedLagos28 Nov 2020
- TEDxJSPMRSCOEOnline28 Nov 2020
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About TED Circles
TED Circles is a global community of curious people ewho 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:
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Anyone! Register to host a TED Circle.
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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?
Locations for TED Circles include yet are not limited to: homes, parks, cafes, schools, workplaces, libraries, etc... and extend to online spaces through video calls!
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Scheduling can be set by the host or collaboratively agreed with the guests. TED Circles are intended to last between 1-2 hours and occur at least monthly.
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TED Circles is an open platform 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.
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