A TED talk is a video created from a presentation at the main TED (technology, entertainment, design) conference or one of its many satellite events around the world.
TED talks are limited to a maximum length of 18 minutes but may be on any topic. Here’s the TEDx website’s explanation of selection criteria: “TED looks for engaging, charismatic speakers whose talks expose new ideas that are supported by concrete evidence and are relevant to a broad, international audience.”
Scientists, researchers, technologists, business leaders, artists, designers and other world experts take the TED stage to present “Ideas Worth Spreading”: valuable new knowledge and innovative research in their fields.
Thanks to these online videos, TED has attracted an international following that has grown into the millions. These talks are now viewed or listened to more than 3 billion times annually.
Using Ted Talks to practice your English:
Simply listening – TED talks are delivered by native English speakers from all over the world. You don’t need to listen to a TED talk about language to learn about English. Watch any TED talk about a subject that really interests you and you’ll be helping to improve your vocabulary, comprehension, and pronunciation skills – simply by listening to a native English speaker.
TED transcripts – transcripts of each TED talk are available so that you can read along with the spoken word. This helps you to improve your pronunciation skills and more easily understand what’s being said.
Here is a link to one of the most popular talks and which we hope you’ll like.
https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_the_surprising_science_of_happiness?language=en#t-462477
Ted Talks recommend these videos for language practice.
https://www.ted.com/playlists/655/great_ted_talks_for_language_practice
