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DISCUSS THESE THEMES

Engage your Circle in lively conversations about one of these three themes:
monthly theme, Countdown or Here and Now. Pick a featured TED Talk below or find
another related talk.


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MONTHLY THEME


FEBRUARY 2022:


EVERYDAY LEADERS

How do we bring everyday people to the decision-making table to better shape our
businesses, societies and futures? These featured TED Talks will help your
Circle explore “Everyday leaders”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Sophie Williams

The rigged test of leadership

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What does being set up for success look like to you? Share your ideals or
real-life examples to support your perspective.

Discuss the idea of leadership as a group. What makes a leader good or bad? Use
real-life examples or hypothetical situations.




Shari Davis

What if you could help decide how the government spends public funds?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are some things in your community you'd use public funds to improve, change
or create?

Do you already have participatory budgeting in your area? Share your
experiences. If not, has Davis made you consider advocating for it?




Melati Wijsen

A roadmap for young changemakers

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you feel about the increase in young activists taking on some of the
biggest issues of our time?

What is one big thing you wish you knew before starting your career, hobby,
passion, etc.?




Tracy Edwards

Stop being a bystander in your own life

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Share a surprising journey you took (literally, professionally, internally,
etc.) that ended much different than it started.

How did you stop being a bystander in your own life? If you feel like a
bystander, what are steps you can take to change that?




MONTHLY THEME


JANUARY 2022:


STAYING HUMBLE

Humble beginnings to start the New Year as we learn from being wrong,
questioning our beliefs, rejection and more. These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Staying humble”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Kathryn Schulz

On being wrong

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

When was the last time you embraced being wrong? Share your story with the
group, how it ended, and what you felt along the way.

Collectively imagine a world where it's natural to own up to being wrong. How
that would affect growth and society; how could you make that a reality?




Casey Gerald

The gospel of doubt

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Recall the last time a firmly held belief turned out not to be true. What did
you do and how did you feel in the face of this new reality?

What gives you hope in the face of uncertainty?




Leah Garcés

A lesson in turning adversaries into allies

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Have you ever worked with an adversary on a common goal? Describe the experience
and the result.

The lessons Garcés shares apply beyond chicken farming. Has her talk helped
change or improve your perspective in any way? Why or why not.




Jia Jiang

What I learned from 100 days of rejection

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What is one surprising, silly or serious thing Jiang has inspired you to try
after watching his talk?

Which of Jiang's pursuits did you like the most and why?




MONTHLY THEME


DECEMBER 2021:


REFLECTIONS

How can reflection play a role in your life — may it be in those challenging
moments, your finances or the future you? These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Reflections”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Adam Grant

How to stop languishing and start finding flow

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What has helped you get out of ruts in the past? Share your techniques with the
group, if comfortable.

Share the activities that get you into the "flow" Grant describes. What is it
about them that make you feel good?




Nora McInerny

We don't "move on" from grief. We move forward with it

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Which part(s) of McInerny's talk stood out to you the most and why?

Is there a person in your life who you'd want to share this talk with? If not,
who in your life does this talk make you want to reach out to and why?




Robert A. Belle

The emotions behind your money habits

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Does Belle's talk — and "emotional audit" advice — make you reconsider how and
why you spend (or save) money?

What are your favorite things, activities, food, etc. to save for or splurge on
as a personal treat and why?




Meg Jay

Essential questions to ask your future self

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Which part of Jay's framing or advice did you find most helpful when it comes to
connecting with and planning for your future self?

What are some ways you've already planned for or even interviewed your future
self?




MONTHLY THEME


NOVEMBER 2021:


EXPLORATION

What does exploration mean for the future of society, science and our individual
lives? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Exploration”.
Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Ella Al-Shamahi

The fascinating (and dangerous) places scientists aren't exploring

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What is something you have learned about yourself when presented with a
demanding or stressful situation?

Are there other pursuits (academic or otherwise) you feel have a geography
problem when it comes to discovering or learning new things?




Jorge Mañes Rubio

What should humans take to space (and leave behind)?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

If you were to travel into space, what would you bring and why? Get personal or
go broad.

What are some things or practices you believe we need to get rid of on Earth?
What would you replace them with instead?




Taiye Selasi

Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Where do you consider yourself a local? It can be big or small -- a different
city or even the park around the corner. Discuss your experiences.

Like Selasi, do you get the "where are you from" or a similar question often? If
so, how have you navigated it? If not, perhaps explore why that is.




Max Hawkins

I let algorithms randomize my life for two years

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Would you let algorithms randomize your life? Share with the group why or why
not.

If so, how long would let them do so?Share a story about a time you tried
something new and it pleasantly surprised you. Would you do or try it again?




MONTHLY THEME


OCTOBER 2021:


OPTIMISM

Is optimism a perspective, bias, catalyst, necessity, or all of the above? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Optimism”. Hover over each
talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Tali Sharot

The optimism bias

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Tali Sharot's research makes a three-point case in favor of the optimism bias.
Which point(s) resonate with you most?

Knowing your proclivity to the optimism bias, how will you protect yourself from
being unrealistic while equally empowering yourself to be hopeful?




Steven Pinker

Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Data shows that many things are, in fact, better today than they were 30 years
ago. Does that align with or counter your assessment of today's world?

If 'combining ideas recursively' sparks problem-solving/progress, how can you
intentionally combine ideas? Additional resource: Matt Ridley's Talk




Christiana Figueres

The case for stubborn optimism on climate change

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How does 'stubborn optimism' avoid foolishness or irresponsibility? How can you
transform your optimism so it helps you meet challenges you face?

In Figueres' words: 'What is the future you want, and what are you doing to make
that future a reality?'




Shameran Abed

4 steps to ending extreme poverty

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Which of the four steps (meeting basic needs, moving towards livelihood,
training to earn money, integrating socially) do you think best instills hope?

Abed urges us to 'light the spark of self-belief in people'. How might you
provide that spark for someone in your life?




MONTHLY THEME


SEPTEMBER 2021:


IMAGINATION

Our imaginations can take us to new heights but how can we tap into them? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Imagination”. Hover over each
talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Manoush Zomorodi

How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

When did you last spend an extended period of time away from your phone? What
were the circumstances? How did that feel?

Why might so many of us be fearful of being bored?

‍




Christopher Robichaud

How I used Dungeons & Dragons to teach ethics

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are your favorite games to play with friends and/or family and why?


What other games could teach you life skills or help you learn more about topic
you care about?







Ethan Hawke

Give yourself permission to be creative

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Hawke notes that poetry can be overlooked until we’re looking for empathy and
guidance. What forms of creativity (poems or otherwise) do you turn to in
moments like this?

What are other unexpected places that you’ve encountered passionate creativity?










Theaster Gates

How to revive a neighborhood with imagination and art

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What things in your community do you wish could be revived with art and beauty?
Brainstorm ways to make this a reality

What are your favorite buildings in your neighborhood or location? Try to
describe them in vivid detail and share why they appeal to you.







MONTHLY THEME


AUGUST 2021:


IRRATIONAL?

Think humans too intelligent to be irrational? Think again! These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Imagination”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Julia Galef

Why you think you're right -- even if you're wrong

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Per Galef’s talk, do you consider yourself a scout, a soldier or is there
another way you’d describe yourself?

Like scout and soldier, are there other creative metaphors you’d use to describe
other interactions / mindsets?

‍




Robert Sapolsky

The biology of our best and worst selves

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What do you think spurs people to be cruel or altruistic?

How do you think your life and circumstances have influenced the way you treat
others?

‍




Chetan Bhatt

Dare to refuse the origin myths that claim who you are

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What origin myths have influenced your life? Share an example or two.

Drawing from Bhatt’s talk or your own observations, what are the dangers of
holding on too tightly to origin myths?

‍




Laurie Santos

A monkey economy as irrational as ours

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are some ways you have found to stop making the same errors over and over
again?

What is one human limitation that you would like to see surmounted? What is one
idea for a design that might solve it?







MONTHLY THEME


JULY 2021:


AGREE TO DISAGREE

If we can't agree on anything, how can we agree to disagree? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Agree to disagree”. Hover over each talk
for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Betty Hart

How compassion could save your strained relationships

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are the pros and cons of Hart’s perspective?

If comfortable sharing, who in your life would you use Hart’s advice with and
why?

‍




Julia Dhar

How to disagree productively and find common ground

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What's something you've changed your mind about, and why?

Thinking back to the topic you chose for the common ground question. What would
it take to change your mind on that subject?




‍




Jonas Gahr Store

In defense of dialogue

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Why, in your opinion, is dialogue so important?

What is it that makes people trust each other?

‍




Isabel Behncke Izquierdo

Evolution's gift of play from bonobo apes to humans

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you think play affects relationships between people, or even just
yourself?

What are ways we could incorporate play into our day-to-day lives, from
small-scale interactions to larger-scale society?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


JUNE 2021:


OUR BODIES

How can we empower our own bodies and the bodies of those around us? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Our bodies”. Hover over each
talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Talithia Williams

Own your body's data

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What's one biological thing in your life that you would be curious to track?
What are some ways you could measure it?

Williams urged her audience to not be afraid to ask doctors to show them the
data. Where else might this mantra be useful? Additional resource: Abraham
Verghese's Talk

‍




Aimee Mullins

My 12 pairs of legs

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you think the conversation around bodies has changed in the last 20
years?

How might society better support and normalize differently abled bodies?







D-L Stewart

Scenes from a Black trans life

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How much trans and Black history were you aware of before this talk? Additional
resource: Karissa Sanbonmatsu's Talk‍

Which scene or piece of information from Stewart’s talk stands out to you the
most? Why?








Paul Knoepfler

The ethical dilemma of designer babies

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Is there anything about genetic modified humans that worries you? What might
that be? If not, why not?

Would you support allowing genetically modified 'designer' babies in your
country? Are there any medical exceptions that you would allow? Why or why not?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


MAY 2021:


RISK-TAKING

Is there a safe way to take risks that enrich our lives? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Risk-taking”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Kashfia Rahman

How risk-taking changes a teenager's brain

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Has Rahman’s talk changed how you view teens today or the decisions you made in
your own adolescence? Why or why not? Additional resource: Gever Tulley’s Talk

Despite being about teens, how could you adopt some of Rahman’s learnings into
your own life and understanding of yourself?

‍




Tim Ferriss

Why you should define your fears instead of your goals

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Will you adopt Ferriss’s fear-setting practice? Why or why not?

Do you have a method for making hard choices or taking risks? If so, consider
sharing with the group. If not, has Ferriss convinced you to develop one?

‍




Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

How to be fearless in the face of authoritarianism

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

When was the last time you felt fearless? What was it about that context or
circumstances that made it so? Additional resource: Yvonne Aki Sawyerr's Talk

If you've never felt fearless, or if it's a rare occurrence, why might that be?

‍




Shekinah Elmore

The courage to live with radical uncertainty

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What were some of the ways that Elmore propelled herself through tough
situations? How can her tenacity be replicated in your own life?

How might you approach doctors appointments differently as a result of this
talk?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


APRIL 2021:


APPRECIATING EARTH

What might we do differently if we had a deeper understanding of everything on
Earth? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Appreciating
Earth”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group
discussion.

Emma Marris

Nature is everywhere — we just need to learn to see it

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you define your locale’s nature? Is nature everywhere, nowhere, or
somewhere in between? Describe in detail or share images to illustrate what you
mean.

Has this talk challenged you to see your surroundings differently? If so, how?
If not, why not?

‍




Menno Schilthuizen

How animals and plants are evolving in cities

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Schilthuizen shares some unexpected ways that creatures have adapted to the
urban jungle. Which evolutionary adaptation impressed you the most?

How has your region changed in your lifetime? What animal-friendly environments
have come and gone? Additional resource: Prosanta Chakrabarty's Talk

‍




Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz

Your body was forged in the spectacular death of stars

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What came to mind during this talk? Did your mind stay in the present, travel
light years away, or reconsider what you see when you look up at the night sky?

What did this astrophysics history lesson teach you about cosmic life and Earth
life? Additional resource: Dave Brain's Talk

‍




Marah J. Hardt

Are we interrupting the kinky sex lives of fish?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

In what ways are your habits connected with the ocean? Consider your diet,
travel, and consumer goods.

What adjustments are you willing to make to ensure that sea life can continue?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


MARCH 2021:


CONSUMPTION'S FUNCTION

How might thoughtfully considering something's function help inform our
consumption? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore
“Consumption's function”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that
support group discussion.

Aparna Mehta

Where do your online returns go

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Were you aware of this practice before the talk? If not, how does it make you
feel? If so, share how you learned about it.

What do you think needs to be done to stop this destructive habit? Consider
options starting from the everyday shopper all the way to your favorite
retailers.

‍




Graham Hill

Why I'm a weekday vegetarian

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Did Hill convince you to adopt his weekday vegetarian plan? Why or why not?

Meat is a big part of many cultures around the world. Brainstorm ways to adopt
more vegetarian meals without sacrificing important parts of a culture overall.

‍




Kathryn Bouskill

The unforeseen consequences of a fast-paced world

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are some of the consequences of our speedy society that you’ve encountered?

What are the occasions in your life or in your community when you wish things
would happen faster? What are the times you wished happened more slowly? Are
there commonalities within each category?

‍




TED-Ed

How to choose your news

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you personally decide that a news outlet is trustworthy? After everyone
shares, consider if there are any other methods from the TED-ED lesson you could
use.

What are the benefits of relying on the same outlets for your news? What are the
dangers and/or limitations?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


FEBRUARY 2021:


OUR MEMORIES

How can we be intentional about our memories and the way they shape our future?
These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Our memories”. Hover
over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

TED-Ed

How memories form and how we lose them

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What surprised you most about the process of making memories?

Which memory-affecting factors (e.g. age, mental/physical health, stress,
depression, isolation) are you most susceptible to? What would help you combat
these factors?

‍




Anne Basting

How to meaningfully reconnect with those who have dementia

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Before this talk, how did you feel about reconnecting with those who have
dementia? How do you feel after watching this talk?

What memory do you hope outlasts any dementia you or a loved one might
experience?

‍




Farish Ahmad-Noor

Why is colonialism (still) romanticized?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Are there memories that you remember more positively than they really were? Why
do you think that is the case?

How can bringing diverse perspectives to our history (e.g. psychology,
anthropology, arts, media) provide a better representation of what happened
during that time?










Aparna Pallavi

What foods did your ancestors love

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Was it surprising to find out that many foods are disappearing from our plates?
Do you see this happening in your own home, city, or country?

Pallavi describes several ways in which we can better connect with our food.
What is one way you can start today to better connect with your food?










MONTHLY THEME


JANUARY 2021:


INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING

How can we learn from and contribute to generations before and beyond your own?
These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Intergenerational
learning”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group
discussion.

Hajer Sharief

How to use family dinner to teach politics?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Has this talk altered the way you see politics, or your place in it? Why or why
not?

Did your childhood include anything like the Family Democracy Meeting? What do
you think it would have been like if it had been in place? Would you adopt it
with your own family? Why or why not?

‍




Leah Georges

How generational stereotypes hold us back at work

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How have stereotypes about your own generation affected the way you see yourself
and others?

How do you navigate the multigenerational divide — in and outside of work?

‍




Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Indigenous knowledge meets science to solve climate change

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How have your communities, households or otherwise married old and new knowledge
to solve a problem?

When have you been corrected or shown a better way by old-school knowledge? If
comfortable, share your story.

‍




Roman Krznaric

How to be a good ancestor

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Is there a destructive legacy from the past that impacts you today that you wish
had been prevented?

What’s one small habit you could change or practice you could adopt that could
have a ripple effect for future generations?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


DECEMBER 2020:


BUILDING MOMENTUM

What happens when instead of letting a moment pass, you build momentum and
create a movement? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore
“Building momentum”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support
group discussion.

Matt Goldman

The search for "aha!" moments

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Describe the feeling of an aha moment to you. Is there a pattern (a specific
time, place, etc.) to when you usually have them?

How could you better create the conditions for aha moments in your own life?

‍




Rana Abdelhamid

3 lessons on starting a movement from a self defense trailblazer

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

The third lesson was starting with joy. Abdelhamid felt joy from seeing women in
her community support one another. What brings you joy? How has it inspired your
journey?

Is there something you’ve been wanting to start? How might these lessons help
you launch your idea?

‍




Bunker Roy

Learning from a barefoot movement

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Where have you been most surprised to find your best ideas?

Was there a time your perspective changed on the definition of a professional?
(e.g. a cook in your family, delivery person, neighborhood handyman, etc.)

‍




Thomas Crowther

The global movement to restore nature's biodiversity

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Restoration, as Crowther explains, is not a silver bullet. It alone cannot solve
our climate crisis. What are some of the ways that your community is addressing
the problem at the individual, neighborhood, or governmental level?

What’s your favorite forest, tree, or plant? Why?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


NOVEMBER 2020:


TRUTH TELLERS

How can we find, tell, and uphold the truth? These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Truth tellers”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

J. Marshall Shepherd

3 kinds of bias that shape your worldview

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Of the three biases, which do you think people (yourself included) succumb to
the most and why?

Was there a time when you didn’t believe something (big or small) was real when
it actually was? What convinced you otherwise?

‍




Alex Edmans

What to trust in a "post-truth" world

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are the dangers of this, and how can tips from Edman’s talk help prevent
you from being falsely influenced in the future?

If we’re living in a “post-truth” world, what would a pro-truth world look like
to you?

‍




Deborah Lipstadt

Behind the lies of Holocaust denial

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Why do you think people deny the existence of horrible things?

What are your thoughts on the rise in mashing facts, opinions and lies?

‍




Julia Shaw

How to support witnesses of harassment and build healthier workplaces

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What surprised you most about Shaw’s talk, and why?

Do you think this video has increased your likelihood of reporting incidents of
harassment and discrimination that you have witnessed? Why or why not?










MONTHLY THEME


OCTOBER 2020:


EVERYONE'S ENVIRONMENT

How can we protect our environment? These featured TED Talks will help your
Circle explore “Everyone's environment”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Per Espen Stoknes

How to transform apocalypse fatigue into action on global warming

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Tom Rivett-Carnac

How to shift your mindset and choose your future

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




Cheryl Holder

The link between climate change, health, and poverty

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Is the climate crisis visible in your community or your own life yet? If so, how
is it showing up?

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?







Kelsey Leonard

Why lakes and rivers should have the same rights as humans

View conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


SEPTEMBER 2020:


LEADING WITH CURIOSITY

What could we learn if we led with curiosity towards ourselves, neighbors, and
environment? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Leading
with curiosity”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support
group discussion.

Nadya Mason

How to spark your curiosity

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Juna Kollmeier

The most detailed map of galaxies

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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 Cekic

Why I have coffee with people who send me hate mail

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Why do you think those who sent Cekic hate mail agreed to meet her for coffee?

How can you engage in a healthy dialogue with groups you demonize? Weigh the
pros and cons of each approach.










Eduardo Briceño

How to get better at the things you care about

View conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


AUGUST 2020:


HOW CHANGE HAPPENS

How does change happen? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore
“How change happens". Hover over each talk for conversation starters that
support group discussion.

Kelly Richmond Pope

How whistleblowers shape history

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Has this talk altered your view on whistleblowing? If so, how? If not, why not?

Have you had a first hand experience involving the act of whistleblowing? Share
with the group.







‍




Megan Ming Francis

We need to address the real roots of racism

View conversation starters

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?

On an individual and country-wide scale, how can you confront inequitable
treatment of any group of people?

‍




Naomi Klein

How shocking events can spark positive change

View conversation starters

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.

‍




Halla Tomasdottir & Bryn Freedman

The crisis of leadership and a new way forward

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


JULY 2020:


DESIGNING WITH HUMANITY

Design has wide-ranging impact. How can we design with humanity in mind? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Designing with humanity”.
Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Poet Ali

The language of being human

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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?

‍




Eli Pariser

What obligation do social media companies have to the greater good?

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




Mariana Mazzucato

What is economic value?

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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?

‍




Hamdi Ulukaya

The anti-CEO playbook

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Conversation starters

Do you know of any other companies, in your community or beyond, with a similar
approach?

What actions would you most like to see them change? How might you encourage
them to do things differently?




MONTHLY THEME


JUNE 2020:


RESILIENCE

What makes people, societies, and organizations resilient? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Resilience”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Susan David

The gift and power of emotional courage

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Conversation starters

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 Hone

Three secrets of resilient people

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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?

Outside of those highlighted in this talk, what strategies have helped you
navigate tough times?







Rachel Kyte

From disaster response to disaster prevention

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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?

What disaster risk policies or actions would you most like to see enacted in
your community?




‍







Martin Reeves

How to build a business that lasts 100 years

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


MAY 2020:


LIFE AT ITS FULLEST

How can we live fuller lives? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle
explore “Life at its fullest”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters
that support group discussion.

Ingrid Fetell Lee

Where joy hides and how to find it

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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?

“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 Smith

There's more to life than being happy

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Conversation starters

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 Waldinger

What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness

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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?

‍




Michael Bush

This is what makes employees happy at work

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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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


APRIL 2020:


A CHANGING WORLD

In what ways has the world already changed? What changes are soon to come? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “A changing world”. Hover over
each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Kate Raworth

A healthy economy should be designed to thrive not grow

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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?

‍




Brett Hennig

What if we replaced politicians with randomly selected people

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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)

‍




George Monbiot

The new political story that could change everything

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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.

How have nationalist — or globalist — perspectives affected the way your country
is run, if at all?

‍




Wanis Kabbaj

How nationalism and globalism can coexist

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Conversation starters

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?

Aside from economics, what’s another story you would like to see replaced?










MONTHLY THEME


MARCH 2020:


WHO HAS POWER

Do you feel powerful, powerless, or somewhere in between? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Who has power”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

TED-Ed

How to understand power

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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)?

‍




Dave Meslin

The antidote to apathy

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Conversation starters

Meslin redefines apathy as a “complex web of cultural barriers that reinforces
disengagement”. 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?

‍




Tristan Harris

How a handful of tech companies control billions of minds every day

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Conversation starters

How do you think Harris' three changes might help us regain power over these
unintended consequences?

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?







Pia Mancini

How to upgrade democracy for the internet age

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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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


FEBRUARY 2020:


HOW WE LOVE

Let's talk about love and its many forms! These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “How we love”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Helen Fisher

Technology hasn’t changed love. Here’s why

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




Andrew Solomon

Love no matter what

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Conversation starters

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”?

‍




Shasta Nelson

Frientimacy

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Conversation starters

How loved and supported do you feel by your friends? How do you cultivate
friendships where both of you feel seen?

Why do you think connectedness is correlated with the significant health issues
Nelson cites? How does that make you feel?










Katie Hood

The difference between healthy and unhealthy love

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


JANUARY 2020:


THE FUTURE

Do you prefer to think about the past, present, or future? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “The future”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Bina Venkataraman

The power to think ahead in a reckless age

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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?

‍




Anthony Goldbloom

The jobs we’ll lose to machines and those we won’t

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




Henrietta Fore

How we can help young people build a better future

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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?

‍




Herman Narula

The transformative power of video games

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Conversation starters

Has this Talk changed your perspective on video games? If yes, how so? If not,
why not?

If games can help us connect, collaborate, empathize, and earn income, does it
matter that they are not real?










MONTHLY THEME


DECEMBER 2019:


MONEY MATTERS

In what ways does money matter to you? These featured TED Talks will help your
Circle explore “Money matters”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters
that support group discussion.

David Burkus

Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




Tammy Lally

Let's get honest about our money problems

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Conversation starters

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?

‍




Nick Hanauer

The dirty secret of capitalism - and a new way forward

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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)?

To whom do you think corporations should be accountable (e.g. shareholders,
customers, workers, community)?

‍




TED-Ed

Would winning the lottery make you happier?

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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)?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


NOVEMBER 2019:


JUSTICE AND SOCIETY

What would help make our society more just? These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Justice and society”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Melanie Nezer

The fundamental right to seek asylum

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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?

‍

‍




Carole Cadwalladr

Facebook's role in Brexit -- and the threat to democracy

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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?




Bryan Stevenson

We need to talk about an injustice

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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?

‍

‍




Benedetta Berti

Did the global response to 9/11 make us safer?

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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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


OCTOBER 2019:


HOW TO BE A BETTER HUMAN

What could take us from being good humans to being better humans? These featured
TED Talks will help your Circle explore “How to be a better human”. Hover over
each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Margaret Heffernan

The human skills we need in an unpredictable world

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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?




Christer Mjåset

Why your doctor needs your help to battle over-treatment

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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?




Matt Walker

Sleep is your superpower

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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?




Maja Jovanovic

How apologies kill our confidence

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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?"




MONTHLY THEME


SEPTEMBER 2019:


WORLD OF WONDER

How often do you wonder about the world - from plants and animals to oceans and
stars? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “World of wonder”.
Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Greta Thurnberg

The disarming case to act right now on climate change

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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?




Jennifer Khan

Gene editing can now change an entire species - forever

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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?




Barbara J. King

Grief and love in the animal kingdom

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Conversation starters

Are we anthropomorphizing animals by assigning them human-defined emotions?

Do you believe that animals grieve? Why?




Stephen Webb

Where are all the aliens?

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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?










MONTHLY THEME


FEBRUARY 2022:


EVERYDAY LEADERS

How do we bring everyday people to the decision-making table to better shape our
businesses, societies and futures? These featured TED Talks will help your
Circle explore “Everyday leaders”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Sophie Williams

The rigged test of leadership

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Conversation starters

What does being set up for success look like to you? Share your ideals or
real-life examples to support your perspective.

Discuss the idea of leadership as a group. What makes a leader good or bad? Use
real-life examples or hypothetical situations.




Shari Davis

What if you could help decide how the government spends public funds?

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Conversation starters

What are some things in your community you'd use public funds to improve, change
or create?

Do you already have participatory budgeting in your area? Share your
experiences. If not, has Davis made you consider advocating for it?




Melati Wijsen

A roadmap for young changemakers

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Conversation starters

How do you feel about the increase in young activists taking on some of the
biggest issues of our time?

What is one big thing you wish you knew before starting your career, hobby,
passion, etc.?




Tracy Edwards

Stop being a bystander in your own life

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Conversation starters

Share a surprising journey you took (literally, professionally, internally,
etc.) that ended much different than it started.

How did you stop being a bystander in your own life? If you feel like a
bystander, what are steps you can take to change that?




MONTHLY THEME


JANUARY 2022:


STAYING HUMBLE

Humble beginnings to start the New Year as we learn from being wrong,
questioning our beliefs, rejection and more. These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Staying humble”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Kathryn Schulz

On being wrong

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Conversation starters

When was the last time you embraced being wrong? Share your story with the
group, how it ended, and what you felt along the way.

Collectively imagine a world where it's natural to own up to being wrong. How
that would affect growth and society; how could you make that a reality?




Casey Gerald

The gospel of doubt

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Conversation starters

Recall the last time a firmly held belief turned out not to be true. What did
you do and how did you feel in the face of this new reality?

What gives you hope in the face of uncertainty?




Leah Garcés

A lesson in turning adversaries into allies

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Conversation starters

Have you ever worked with an adversary on a common goal? Describe the experience
and the result.

The lessons Garcés shares apply beyond chicken farming. Has her talk helped
change or improve your perspective in any way? Why or why not.




Jia Jiang

What I learned from 100 days of rejection

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Conversation starters

What is one surprising, silly or serious thing Jiang has inspired you to try
after watching his talk?

Which of Jiang's pursuits did you like the most and why?




MONTHLY THEME


DECEMBER 2021:


REFLECTIONS

How can reflection play a role in your life — may it be in those challenging
moments, your finances or the future you? These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Reflections”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Adam Grant

How to stop languishing and start finding flow

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Conversation starters

What has helped you get out of ruts in the past? Share your techniques with the
group, if comfortable.

Share the activities that get you into the "flow" Grant describes. What is it
about them that make you feel good?




Nora McInerny

We don't "move on" from grief. We move forward with it

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Conversation starters

Which part(s) of McInerny's talk stood out to you the most and why?

Is there a person in your life who you'd want to share this talk with? If not,
who in your life does this talk make you want to reach out to and why?




Robert A. Belle

The emotions behind your money habits

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Conversation starters

Does Belle's talk — and "emotional audit" advice — make you reconsider how and
why you spend (or save) money?

What are your favorite things, activities, food, etc. to save for or splurge on
as a personal treat and why?




Meg Jay

Essential questions to ask your future self

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Conversation starters

Which part of Jay's framing or advice did you find most helpful when it comes to
connecting with and planning for your future self?

What are some ways you've already planned for or even interviewed your future
self?




MONTHLY THEME


NOVEMBER 2021:


EXPLORATION

What does exploration mean for the future of society, science and our individual
lives? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Exploration”.
Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Ella Al-Shamahi

The fascinating (and dangerous) places scientists aren't exploring

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What is something you have learned about yourself when presented with a
demanding or stressful situation?

Are there other pursuits (academic or otherwise) you feel have a geography
problem when it comes to discovering or learning new things?




Jorge Mañes Rubio

What should humans take to space (and leave behind)?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

If you were to travel into space, what would you bring and why? Get personal or
go broad.

What are some things or practices you believe we need to get rid of on Earth?
What would you replace them with instead?




Taiye Selasi

Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local

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Conversation starters

Where do you consider yourself a local? It can be big or small -- a different
city or even the park around the corner. Discuss your experiences.

Like Selasi, do you get the "where are you from" or a similar question often? If
so, how have you navigated it? If not, perhaps explore why that is.




Max Hawkins

I let algorithms randomize my life for two years

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Conversation starters

Would you let algorithms randomize your life? Share with the group why or why
not.

If so, how long would let them do so?Share a story about a time you tried
something new and it pleasantly surprised you. Would you do or try it again?




MONTHLY THEME


OCTOBER 2021:


OPTIMISM

Is optimism a perspective, bias, catalyst, necessity, or all of the above? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Optimism”. Hover over each
talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Tali Sharot

The optimism bias

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Conversation starters

Tali Sharot's research makes a three-point case in favor of the optimism bias.
Which point(s) resonate with you most?

Knowing your proclivity to the optimism bias, how will you protect yourself from
being unrealistic while equally empowering yourself to be hopeful?




Steven Pinker

Is the world getting better or worse? A look at the numbers

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Conversation starters

Data shows that many things are, in fact, better today than they were 30 years
ago. Does that align with or counter your assessment of today's world?

If 'combining ideas recursively' sparks problem-solving/progress, how can you
intentionally combine ideas? Additional resource: Matt Ridley's Talk




Christiana Figueres

The case for stubborn optimism on climate change

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Conversation starters

How does 'stubborn optimism' avoid foolishness or irresponsibility? How can you
transform your optimism so it helps you meet challenges you face?

In Figueres' words: 'What is the future you want, and what are you doing to make
that future a reality?'




Shameran Abed

4 steps to ending extreme poverty

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Conversation starters

Which of the four steps (meeting basic needs, moving towards livelihood,
training to earn money, integrating socially) do you think best instills hope?

Abed urges us to 'light the spark of self-belief in people'. How might you
provide that spark for someone in your life?




MONTHLY THEME


SEPTEMBER 2021:


IMAGINATION

Our imaginations can take us to new heights but how can we tap into them? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Imagination”. Hover over each
talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Manoush Zomorodi

How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

When did you last spend an extended period of time away from your phone? What
were the circumstances? How did that feel?

Why might so many of us be fearful of being bored?

‍




Christopher Robichaud

How I used Dungeons & Dragons to teach ethics

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are your favorite games to play with friends and/or family and why?


What other games could teach you life skills or help you learn more about topic
you care about?







Ethan Hawke

Give yourself permission to be creative

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Conversation starters

Hawke notes that poetry can be overlooked until we’re looking for empathy and
guidance. What forms of creativity (poems or otherwise) do you turn to in
moments like this?

What are other unexpected places that you’ve encountered passionate creativity?










Theaster Gates

How to revive a neighborhood with imagination and art

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Conversation starters

What things in your community do you wish could be revived with art and beauty?
Brainstorm ways to make this a reality

What are your favorite buildings in your neighborhood or location? Try to
describe them in vivid detail and share why they appeal to you.







MONTHLY THEME


AUGUST 2021:


IRRATIONAL?

Think humans too intelligent to be irrational? Think again! These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Imagination”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Julia Galef

Why you think you're right -- even if you're wrong

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Per Galef’s talk, do you consider yourself a scout, a soldier or is there
another way you’d describe yourself?

Like scout and soldier, are there other creative metaphors you’d use to describe
other interactions / mindsets?

‍




Robert Sapolsky

The biology of our best and worst selves

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What do you think spurs people to be cruel or altruistic?

How do you think your life and circumstances have influenced the way you treat
others?

‍




Chetan Bhatt

Dare to refuse the origin myths that claim who you are

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Conversation starters

What origin myths have influenced your life? Share an example or two.

Drawing from Bhatt’s talk or your own observations, what are the dangers of
holding on too tightly to origin myths?

‍




Laurie Santos

A monkey economy as irrational as ours

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are some ways you have found to stop making the same errors over and over
again?

What is one human limitation that you would like to see surmounted? What is one
idea for a design that might solve it?







MONTHLY THEME


JULY 2021:


AGREE TO DISAGREE

If we can't agree on anything, how can we agree to disagree? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Agree to disagree”. Hover over each talk
for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Betty Hart

How compassion could save your strained relationships

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are the pros and cons of Hart’s perspective?

If comfortable sharing, who in your life would you use Hart’s advice with and
why?

‍




Julia Dhar

How to disagree productively and find common ground

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What's something you've changed your mind about, and why?

Thinking back to the topic you chose for the common ground question. What would
it take to change your mind on that subject?




‍




Jonas Gahr Store

In defense of dialogue

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Why, in your opinion, is dialogue so important?

What is it that makes people trust each other?

‍




Isabel Behncke Izquierdo

Evolution's gift of play from bonobo apes to humans

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you think play affects relationships between people, or even just
yourself?

What are ways we could incorporate play into our day-to-day lives, from
small-scale interactions to larger-scale society?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


JUNE 2021:


OUR BODIES

How can we empower our own bodies and the bodies of those around us? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Our bodies”. Hover over each
talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Talithia Williams

Own your body's data

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What's one biological thing in your life that you would be curious to track?
What are some ways you could measure it?

Williams urged her audience to not be afraid to ask doctors to show them the
data. Where else might this mantra be useful? Additional resource: Abraham
Verghese's Talk

‍




Aimee Mullins

My 12 pairs of legs

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you think the conversation around bodies has changed in the last 20
years?

How might society better support and normalize differently abled bodies?







D-L Stewart

Scenes from a Black trans life

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Conversation starters

How much trans and Black history were you aware of before this talk? Additional
resource: Karissa Sanbonmatsu's Talk‍

Which scene or piece of information from Stewart’s talk stands out to you the
most? Why?








Paul Knoepfler

The ethical dilemma of designer babies

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Is there anything about genetic modified humans that worries you? What might
that be? If not, why not?

Would you support allowing genetically modified 'designer' babies in your
country? Are there any medical exceptions that you would allow? Why or why not?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


MAY 2021:


RISK-TAKING

Is there a safe way to take risks that enrich our lives? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Risk-taking”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Kashfia Rahman

How risk-taking changes a teenager's brain

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Has Rahman’s talk changed how you view teens today or the decisions you made in
your own adolescence? Why or why not? Additional resource: Gever Tulley’s Talk

Despite being about teens, how could you adopt some of Rahman’s learnings into
your own life and understanding of yourself?

‍




Tim Ferriss

Why you should define your fears instead of your goals

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Will you adopt Ferriss’s fear-setting practice? Why or why not?

Do you have a method for making hard choices or taking risks? If so, consider
sharing with the group. If not, has Ferriss convinced you to develop one?

‍




Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

How to be fearless in the face of authoritarianism

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

When was the last time you felt fearless? What was it about that context or
circumstances that made it so? Additional resource: Yvonne Aki Sawyerr's Talk

If you've never felt fearless, or if it's a rare occurrence, why might that be?

‍




Shekinah Elmore

The courage to live with radical uncertainty

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What were some of the ways that Elmore propelled herself through tough
situations? How can her tenacity be replicated in your own life?

How might you approach doctors appointments differently as a result of this
talk?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


APRIL 2021:


APPRECIATING EARTH

What might we do differently if we had a deeper understanding of everything on
Earth? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Appreciating
Earth”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group
discussion.

Emma Marris

Nature is everywhere — we just need to learn to see it

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you define your locale’s nature? Is nature everywhere, nowhere, or
somewhere in between? Describe in detail or share images to illustrate what you
mean.

Has this talk challenged you to see your surroundings differently? If so, how?
If not, why not?

‍




Menno Schilthuizen

How animals and plants are evolving in cities

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Schilthuizen shares some unexpected ways that creatures have adapted to the
urban jungle. Which evolutionary adaptation impressed you the most?

How has your region changed in your lifetime? What animal-friendly environments
have come and gone? Additional resource: Prosanta Chakrabarty's Talk

‍




Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz

Your body was forged in the spectacular death of stars

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What came to mind during this talk? Did your mind stay in the present, travel
light years away, or reconsider what you see when you look up at the night sky?

What did this astrophysics history lesson teach you about cosmic life and Earth
life? Additional resource: Dave Brain's Talk

‍




Marah J. Hardt

Are we interrupting the kinky sex lives of fish?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

In what ways are your habits connected with the ocean? Consider your diet,
travel, and consumer goods.

What adjustments are you willing to make to ensure that sea life can continue?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


MARCH 2021:


CONSUMPTION'S FUNCTION

How might thoughtfully considering something's function help inform our
consumption? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore
“Consumption's function”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that
support group discussion.

Aparna Mehta

Where do your online returns go

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Were you aware of this practice before the talk? If not, how does it make you
feel? If so, share how you learned about it.

What do you think needs to be done to stop this destructive habit? Consider
options starting from the everyday shopper all the way to your favorite
retailers.

‍




Graham Hill

Why I'm a weekday vegetarian

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Did Hill convince you to adopt his weekday vegetarian plan? Why or why not?

Meat is a big part of many cultures around the world. Brainstorm ways to adopt
more vegetarian meals without sacrificing important parts of a culture overall.

‍




Kathryn Bouskill

The unforeseen consequences of a fast-paced world

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are some of the consequences of our speedy society that you’ve encountered?

What are the occasions in your life or in your community when you wish things
would happen faster? What are the times you wished happened more slowly? Are
there commonalities within each category?

‍




TED-Ed

How to choose your news

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you personally decide that a news outlet is trustworthy? After everyone
shares, consider if there are any other methods from the TED-ED lesson you could
use.

What are the benefits of relying on the same outlets for your news? What are the
dangers and/or limitations?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


FEBRUARY 2021:


OUR MEMORIES

How can we be intentional about our memories and the way they shape our future?
These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Our memories”. Hover
over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

TED-Ed

How memories form and how we lose them

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What surprised you most about the process of making memories?

Which memory-affecting factors (e.g. age, mental/physical health, stress,
depression, isolation) are you most susceptible to? What would help you combat
these factors?

‍




Anne Basting

How to meaningfully reconnect with those who have dementia

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Before this talk, how did you feel about reconnecting with those who have
dementia? How do you feel after watching this talk?

What memory do you hope outlasts any dementia you or a loved one might
experience?

‍




Farish Ahmad-Noor

Why is colonialism (still) romanticized?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Are there memories that you remember more positively than they really were? Why
do you think that is the case?

How can bringing diverse perspectives to our history (e.g. psychology,
anthropology, arts, media) provide a better representation of what happened
during that time?










Aparna Pallavi

What foods did your ancestors love

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Was it surprising to find out that many foods are disappearing from our plates?
Do you see this happening in your own home, city, or country?

Pallavi describes several ways in which we can better connect with our food.
What is one way you can start today to better connect with your food?










MONTHLY THEME


JANUARY 2021:


INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING

How can we learn from and contribute to generations before and beyond your own?
These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Intergenerational
learning”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group
discussion.

Hajer Sharief

How to use family dinner to teach politics?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Has this talk altered the way you see politics, or your place in it? Why or why
not?

Did your childhood include anything like the Family Democracy Meeting? What do
you think it would have been like if it had been in place? Would you adopt it
with your own family? Why or why not?

‍




Leah Georges

How generational stereotypes hold us back at work

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How have stereotypes about your own generation affected the way you see yourself
and others?

How do you navigate the multigenerational divide — in and outside of work?

‍




Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Indigenous knowledge meets science to solve climate change

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How have your communities, households or otherwise married old and new knowledge
to solve a problem?

When have you been corrected or shown a better way by old-school knowledge? If
comfortable, share your story.

‍




Roman Krznaric

How to be a good ancestor

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Is there a destructive legacy from the past that impacts you today that you wish
had been prevented?

What’s one small habit you could change or practice you could adopt that could
have a ripple effect for future generations?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


DECEMBER 2020:


BUILDING MOMENTUM

What happens when instead of letting a moment pass, you build momentum and
create a movement? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore
“Building momentum”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support
group discussion.

Matt Goldman

The search for "aha!" moments

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Describe the feeling of an aha moment to you. Is there a pattern (a specific
time, place, etc.) to when you usually have them?

How could you better create the conditions for aha moments in your own life?

‍




Rana Abdelhamid

3 lessons on starting a movement from a self defense trailblazer

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

The third lesson was starting with joy. Abdelhamid felt joy from seeing women in
her community support one another. What brings you joy? How has it inspired your
journey?

Is there something you’ve been wanting to start? How might these lessons help
you launch your idea?

‍




Bunker Roy

Learning from a barefoot movement

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Where have you been most surprised to find your best ideas?

Was there a time your perspective changed on the definition of a professional?
(e.g. a cook in your family, delivery person, neighborhood handyman, etc.)

‍




Thomas Crowther

The global movement to restore nature's biodiversity

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Restoration, as Crowther explains, is not a silver bullet. It alone cannot solve
our climate crisis. What are some of the ways that your community is addressing
the problem at the individual, neighborhood, or governmental level?

What’s your favorite forest, tree, or plant? Why?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


NOVEMBER 2020:


TRUTH TELLERS

How can we find, tell, and uphold the truth? These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Truth tellers”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

J. Marshall Shepherd

3 kinds of bias that shape your worldview

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Of the three biases, which do you think people (yourself included) succumb to
the most and why?

Was there a time when you didn’t believe something (big or small) was real when
it actually was? What convinced you otherwise?

‍




Alex Edmans

What to trust in a "post-truth" world

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What are the dangers of this, and how can tips from Edman’s talk help prevent
you from being falsely influenced in the future?

If we’re living in a “post-truth” world, what would a pro-truth world look like
to you?

‍




Deborah Lipstadt

Behind the lies of Holocaust denial

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Why do you think people deny the existence of horrible things?

What are your thoughts on the rise in mashing facts, opinions and lies?

‍




Julia Shaw

How to support witnesses of harassment and build healthier workplaces

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

What surprised you most about Shaw’s talk, and why?

Do you think this video has increased your likelihood of reporting incidents of
harassment and discrimination that you have witnessed? Why or why not?










MONTHLY THEME


OCTOBER 2020:


EVERYONE'S ENVIRONMENT

How can we protect our environment? These featured TED Talks will help your
Circle explore “Everyone's environment”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Per Espen Stoknes

How to transform apocalypse fatigue into action on global warming

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Tom Rivett-Carnac

How to shift your mindset and choose your future

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




Cheryl Holder

The link between climate change, health, and poverty

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Is the climate crisis visible in your community or your own life yet? If so, how
is it showing up?

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?







Kelsey Leonard

Why lakes and rivers should have the same rights as humans

View conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


SEPTEMBER 2020:


LEADING WITH CURIOSITY

What could we learn if we led with curiosity towards ourselves, neighbors, and
environment? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Leading
with curiosity”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support
group discussion.

Nadya Mason

How to spark your curiosity

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Juna Kollmeier

The most detailed map of galaxies

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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 Cekic

Why I have coffee with people who send me hate mail

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Why do you think those who sent Cekic hate mail agreed to meet her for coffee?

How can you engage in a healthy dialogue with groups you demonize? Weigh the
pros and cons of each approach.










Eduardo Briceño

How to get better at the things you care about

View conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


AUGUST 2020:


HOW CHANGE HAPPENS

How does change happen? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore
“How change happens". Hover over each talk for conversation starters that
support group discussion.

Kelly Richmond Pope

How whistleblowers shape history

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Has this talk altered your view on whistleblowing? If so, how? If not, why not?

Have you had a first hand experience involving the act of whistleblowing? Share
with the group.







‍




Megan Ming Francis

We need to address the real roots of racism

View conversation starters

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?

On an individual and country-wide scale, how can you confront inequitable
treatment of any group of people?

‍




Naomi Klein

How shocking events can spark positive change

View conversation starters

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.

‍




Halla Tomasdottir & Bryn Freedman

The crisis of leadership and a new way forward

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


JULY 2020:


DESIGNING WITH HUMANITY

Design has wide-ranging impact. How can we design with humanity in mind? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “Designing with humanity”.
Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Poet Ali

The language of being human

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Eli Pariser

What obligation do social media companies have to the greater good?

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




Mariana Mazzucato

What is economic value?

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Hamdi Ulukaya

The anti-CEO playbook

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Do you know of any other companies, in your community or beyond, with a similar
approach?

What actions would you most like to see them change? How might you encourage
them to do things differently?




MONTHLY THEME


JUNE 2020:


RESILIENCE

What makes people, societies, and organizations resilient? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Resilience”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Susan David

The gift and power of emotional courage

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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 Hone

Three secrets of resilient people

View conversation starters

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?

Outside of those highlighted in this talk, what strategies have helped you
navigate tough times?







Rachel Kyte

From disaster response to disaster prevention

View conversation starters

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?

What disaster risk policies or actions would you most like to see enacted in
your community?




‍







Martin Reeves

How to build a business that lasts 100 years

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


MAY 2020:


LIFE AT ITS FULLEST

How can we live fuller lives? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle
explore “Life at its fullest”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters
that support group discussion.

Ingrid Fetell Lee

Where joy hides and how to find it

View conversation starters

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?

“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 Smith

There's more to life than being happy

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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 Waldinger

What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Michael Bush

This is what makes employees happy at work

View conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


APRIL 2020:


A CHANGING WORLD

In what ways has the world already changed? What changes are soon to come? These
featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “A changing world”. Hover over
each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Kate Raworth

A healthy economy should be designed to thrive not grow

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Brett Hennig

What if we replaced politicians with randomly selected people

View conversation starters

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)

‍




George Monbiot

The new political story that could change everything

View conversation starters

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.

How have nationalist — or globalist — perspectives affected the way your country
is run, if at all?

‍




Wanis Kabbaj

How nationalism and globalism can coexist

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

Aside from economics, what’s another story you would like to see replaced?










MONTHLY THEME


MARCH 2020:


WHO HAS POWER

Do you feel powerful, powerless, or somewhere in between? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “Who has power”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

TED-Ed

How to understand power

View conversation starters

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)?

‍




Dave Meslin

The antidote to apathy

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Meslin redefines apathy as a “complex web of cultural barriers that reinforces
disengagement”. 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?

‍




Tristan Harris

How a handful of tech companies control billions of minds every day

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How do you think Harris' three changes might help us regain power over these
unintended consequences?

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?







Pia Mancini

How to upgrade democracy for the internet age

View conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


FEBRUARY 2020:


HOW WE LOVE

Let's talk about love and its many forms! These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “How we love”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Helen Fisher

Technology hasn’t changed love. Here’s why

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




Andrew Solomon

Love no matter what

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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”?

‍




Shasta Nelson

Frientimacy

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

How loved and supported do you feel by your friends? How do you cultivate
friendships where both of you feel seen?

Why do you think connectedness is correlated with the significant health issues
Nelson cites? How does that make you feel?










Katie Hood

The difference between healthy and unhealthy love

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


JANUARY 2020:


THE FUTURE

Do you prefer to think about the past, present, or future? These featured TED
Talks will help your Circle explore “The future”. Hover over each talk for
conversation starters that support group discussion.

Bina Venkataraman

The power to think ahead in a reckless age

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Anthony Goldbloom

The jobs we’ll lose to machines and those we won’t

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




Henrietta Fore

How we can help young people build a better future

View conversation starters

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?

‍




Herman Narula

The transformative power of video games

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Has this Talk changed your perspective on video games? If yes, how so? If not,
why not?

If games can help us connect, collaborate, empathize, and earn income, does it
matter that they are not real?










MONTHLY THEME


DECEMBER 2019:


MONEY MATTERS

In what ways does money matter to you? These featured TED Talks will help your
Circle explore “Money matters”. Hover over each talk for conversation starters
that support group discussion.

David Burkus

Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




Tammy Lally

Let's get honest about our money problems

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

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?

‍




Nick Hanauer

The dirty secret of capitalism - and a new way forward

View conversation starters

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)?

To whom do you think corporations should be accountable (e.g. shareholders,
customers, workers, community)?

‍




TED-Ed

Would winning the lottery make you happier?

View conversation starters

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)?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


NOVEMBER 2019:


JUSTICE AND SOCIETY

What would help make our society more just? These featured TED Talks will help
your Circle explore “Justice and society”. Hover over each talk for conversation
starters that support group discussion.

Melanie Nezer

The fundamental right to seek asylum

View conversation starters

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?

‍

‍




Carole Cadwalladr

Facebook's role in Brexit -- and the threat to democracy

View conversation starters

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?




Bryan Stevenson

We need to talk about an injustice

View conversation starters

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?

‍

‍




Benedetta Berti

Did the global response to 9/11 make us safer?

View conversation starters

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?

‍




MONTHLY THEME


OCTOBER 2019:


HOW TO BE A BETTER HUMAN

What could take us from being good humans to being better humans? These featured
TED Talks will help your Circle explore “How to be a better human”. Hover over
each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Margaret Heffernan

The human skills we need in an unpredictable world

View conversation starters

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?




Christer Mjåset

Why your doctor needs your help to battle over-treatment

View conversation starters

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?




Matt Walker

Sleep is your superpower

View conversation starters

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?




Maja Jovanovic

How apologies kill our confidence

View conversation starters

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?"




MONTHLY THEME


SEPTEMBER 2019:


WORLD OF WONDER

How often do you wonder about the world - from plants and animals to oceans and
stars? These featured TED Talks will help your Circle explore “World of wonder”.
Hover over each talk for conversation starters that support group discussion.

Greta Thurnberg

The disarming case to act right now on climate change

View conversation starters

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?




Jennifer Khan

Gene editing can now change an entire species - forever

View conversation starters

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?




Barbara J. King

Grief and love in the animal kingdom

View conversation starters

Conversation starters

Are we anthropomorphizing animals by assigning them human-defined emotions?

Do you believe that animals grieve? Why?




Stephen Webb

Where are all the aliens?

View conversation starters

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?





CLIMATE ACTION THEME


COUNTDOWN

Keen to address climate change? Countdown is a global initiative to champion and
accelerate solutions to the climate crisis. Check out the bi-monthly Countdown
theme.

Visit Countdown’s website


URGENT THEME


HERE AND NOW

Facing an urgent issue? Here and now is an invitation to discuss a pressing
topic that is affecting your community. Find related content or select a talk
picked by hosts.

Consider these picks


TAKE IT FROM OUR HOSTS

3,500 hosts across 135 countries are fostering community and multiplying impact
through their discussions. Here are a few!

Watch why hosts love Circles

“It’s great and engaging to discuss a variety of topics with our students!”

TED Circles hosted by Alessandra Will and Carla Pastorisa Dalzochio
Curitiba, Brazil
Hosting since February 2021

“I love meeting at local cafes and also online so my guests can join across the
country.”

TED Circles hosted by Talent Reunion
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Hosting since August 2020

“Guests like the format because ‘there is more depth and trust in these
conversations!’”

TED Circles hosted by TEDxFrankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany
Hosting since April 2020

Connect with fellow hosts



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TED Circles are purposefully easy to adopt so they occur regularly and easy to
adapt so they reflect hosts’ personalities. With many possibilities come many
questions which are answered here and illustrated in the video below.

About TED Circles

Who can host?

Anyone! Register to host TED Circles.


Who can attend?

Hosts invite guests to participate in their Circle.


How do you host?

Register your event, invite guests, and engage them in conversation. View our
host resources.

What's discussed?

TED provides monthly themes with aligned talks and questions to support 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 they happen?

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.



If you have additional questions, please email tedcircles@ted.com

Learn more

Frequently asked questionsView host resourcesAttend a TED-hosted Circle

Host

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