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3 Minute TEDtalk

<< Back to Lesson Finder

Time is ticking to share

Objectives

  • Students will learn about their peers and make connections
  • Students will express themselves in a creative way
  • Students will develop confidence in speaking to a larger group

Sharing about yourself to a large group can be intimidating but rewarding! This activity is an exciting way to open a space where everyone can share about themselves and learn from each other.

MATERIALS
  • Writing materials for each student (optional)
  • Ability to show TEDTalks (optional)
  • LESSON STEP BY STEP

    1. Ask: “Who has ever seen or heard of a TED Talk?” You can show an example of a TedTalk if needed. Some example TEDTalks by and for youth:

    • We Are All Different - and THAT'S AWESOME! | Cole Blakeway | TEDxWestVancouverED (4:39min)
    • The Reality of Self Acceptance | Tamara Bong’o | TEDxYouth@BrookhouseSchool (6:44min)
    • Give Me More Recess | Darius Richards | TEDxCrestmoorParkED (3:20min)

    2. Say: “People give TEDTalks when they are passionate about a topic, to share their knowledge and passion with others. They sometimes include pictures, videos, or even demonstrations! Today, we are going to come up with our own TEDTalks about ourselves and the things we like so we can learn more about each other.”

    3. Give students time to think about topics they think they should include in their own TedTalk. Topic examples could include:

    • Where you grew up
    • The people and pets that make up your family
    • Things you like to do outside of school
    • Your favorite snacks
    • Your favorite books
    • Your favorite animal (and why)
    • A favorite memory
    • What you were like when you were younger

    4. Present the TEDTalks to the class!

    VARIATIONS

    1. Switch up the topic! Rather than introductions, have students take 3 minutes to discuss an approved topic they are passionate about, research about something they’re interested in, or explain a skill (“How to make the perfect sandwich” or “The rules of professional Tag and why it’s the most exciting sport”)

    2. No need to listen to everyone in one go! Spread out the 3 minute talks when you have time; between lessons, after lunch, before leaving for the day, etc. You can draw names or take volunteers. Doing too many at one time could pull away from student buy-in and active listening.

    3. Amp up your TEDTalk! Take the time to allow students to create visuals, make PowerPoint presentations, and add flare to their speech.

    4. Present your TEDTalk in front of the whole class, or in small groups chosen by the facilitator. Small groups can take turns sharing their talks and asking questions after each presenter.

    FACILITATOR TIPS & NOTES

    1. Get in on the fun! Presenting your own TEDTalk to the group can break down barriers of discomfort or hesitation around sharing in front of the group. Plus, it helps your students know you.

    2. We’ve all been excited about a topic before- we can sometimes talk for hours about one thing. A 3 minute time limit will be your friend (give or take a few seconds, of course).

    REFLECTION & WRAP UP

    Ask:
    “What was one new thing you learned about somebody in our class?”
    “Do you have anything in common with someone that you didn’t know about before?

    Keywords:

    Assertiveness, Belonging, Communication, Community Building, Confidence, Group Relationships, Listening, Relationship Building, Self Awareness, Self Confidence, Self-Perception, Social Engagement
    • About
      • Our Story
      • Washington DC Campus
      • Meet the Crew
        • Field Staff
        • Administrative Staff
        • Board of Trustees
      • Character Curriculum
        • Curriculum Portal
        • Domains of Thriving
        • Educational Approach
      • Equity & Inclusion
      • Impact
      • Strategic Plan
      • Locations
      • Outward Bound USA
    • Programs
      • Schools / Groups
      • Insight: One-Day Programs
        • Insight for Youth
      • Outward Bound Professional
        • Professional Teambuilding
        • Professional Teambuilding: Custom
      • Educators
        • Educators Expedition
        • THE THRIVING CLASSROOM
      • Scholarship Expeditions
        • Get Out And Lead (GOAL)
        • Youth Leadership Corps (YLC)
      • Summer Expeditions
        • High School
        • Middle School
      • Veterans
      • US Naval Academy
      • Police Youth Challenge (PYC)
    • Planning
      • COVID-19 SAFETY
      • What to Expect
      • Preparing for a Course
      • Financial Aid
      • Forms
      • FAQ
    • CONNECT WITH US
      • Alumni
      • Careers
      • Join Our Board
      • CBOBS Gear Store
      • Blog
    • Donate
      • Make Your Gift
      • Cornerstone 2025
      • Monthly Giving
      • Legacy Giving
      • Ways to Give
      • Donor Community
    Download Lesson

    About Lesson


    Activity Type

    Experiential Activity

    Time

    45 min

    Age Group

    High School
    Middle School

    Environment

    Classroom

    Competency

    Group Relationships

    Educational Standard

    CASEL: Self-Awareness
    CCRS:SL4 Present Information
    P21: Communication and Collaboration
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