Ideas change everything

Storytelling

In these TED Talks, masters of storytelling share their creative secrets and explore new approaches to their age-old craft.

Video playlists about Storytelling

Why do we tell stories?

How do you foster connection, empathy and understanding between people? Tell a good story, of course.

A love letter to libraries

Libraries are a magical place full of life and endless stories — both real and imagined. We're delighted to share these TED Talks as a love letter to libraries, librarians and the community they build.

Things you've probably never noticed

Wait, what's that? Did you see it? Bet you didn't. Check out these talks that'll help you see the intriguing details hiding in plain sight.

Personal stories from conflict zones

Powerful, gripping personal narratives that shed light on what it means to live in some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions.

See all playlists on Storytelling

Talks about Storytelling

Martin J. Eppler

Want to give a great presentation? Use ugly sketches

Juwen Zhang

The woman who broke the Great Wall of China

Jason Keam

We rise by lifting others

Lawrence Bernstein

The trick to powerful public speaking

Iseult Gillespie

The curse of the monkey's paw

Jon M. Chu

Why creativity thrives on challenges

Giorgia Lupi

What long COVID taught me about life (and data)

Ji Hao

The real tale of the Monkey King in Heaven

Eric Nuzum

Why don’t vampires cast reflections?

Iseult Gillespie

Greek mythology’s greatest warrior

Mark Grimmer

What’s next for immersive storytelling?

Sara Giusto

The rise of virtual humans — and what they mean for the future

Chris Duffy

How to find laughter anywhere

Paschal Kyiiripuo Kyoore

The tale of the boy who tricked a tyrant

Willie Williams

The astonishing future of immersive live entertainment

Cai Guo-Qiang

A firework ladder to the sky — and the magic of explosive art

See all talks on Storytelling

Exclusive articles about Storytelling

Could your life story use an update? Here’s how to do it

Storytelling allows us to take events that are exceptional, unforeseen or out of the ordinary and convert them into meaningful, manageable chapters in our lives. Author Bruce Feiler shares three tips to help you tell a more effective life story:

Posted Jan 2023

Storytelling is a powerful communication tool — here’s how to use it, from TED

Many of the best TED Talks are built around stories, with speakers' personal anecdotes helping them bring their ideas to life. Here, TED head curator Chris Anderson provides us with some storytelling dos and don'ts. Plus: news about the TED Masterclass app.

Posted Nov 2019

Want to really connect at your next family gathering? Try this.

Family stories are a treasure. But when you hear the same ones over and over, they can get tarnished. Facilitator Priya Parker shares the simple trick that led to an unforgettable evening for her and her loved ones.

Posted Aug 2018

See all articles on Storytelling