TEDxYouth@ISBangkok 2018 Shows the Power of Speech

The TEDx format provides live and online audiences with thought-provoking talks, which can spark lively discussions that continue long after the event has finished. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

As organizers for TEDx events 7 years in a row, International School Bangkok (ISB) has given a platform to dozens of talented students, whose powerful messages have reached a worldwide audience.

In 2018, ten ISB students delivered their own unique speeches at TEDxYouth@ISBangkok, incorporating the school’s core attributes into their preparation processes. They spoke on globally relevant topics such as Net Neutrality and internet freedom. Value-driven ideas took center stage in several speeches that highlighted concepts like the cultural importance of poetry, or the necessity of constructive political discourse.

A talk on introversion and the benefits of adaptability got a great deal of traction online with over 8,000 views and counting via YouTube alone – as well as terrific feedback by viewers worldwide. Another talk, about the value of saying yes to new experiences, has reached over 3,500 viewers. All ten TEDx presentations from last year have received over 500 views online each, with an average of around 2,000 hits per talk.

Public speaking events like TEDx encourage students to carefully organize and present their ideas, before taking part in a reasoned discussion with the audience. This approach allows for greater knowledge and understanding surrounding the subject matter.

Moreover, research shows that children who are taught public speaking skills and practice them further – as our presenters do each year – generally show improved performance in other areas of life as well.

At every TEDxYouth@ISBangkok event, the student speakers feel passionate about the topics they have chosen, and rely on that enthusiasm to communicate their ideas more effectively. They also develop stronger writing, researching, and public speaking skills during the course of speech preparation and delivery. These abilities will prove to be valuable indeed, particularly after they graduate from school, and potentially open the door to success in a variety of professional environments.

The TEDx experience demonstrates that learning is above all an interactive process. By using their own individual voices in a leadership role, TEDxYouth@ISBangkok speakers provide a model for action with their classmates and the younger students at ISB.