Tiarra Ferdinandusz

I presented my talk of the TEDx on the matter of “The Power of Saying No”.

My big idea was that it is not a sign of feebleness to say no but it is a sign of power and self respect. I discussed the way I used to say yes and felt guilty because of this or did not want to disappoint people, and this tendency undermined my mental health over time. At some point, I understood that I do not need to feel guilty about establishing boundaries and prioritizing myself: it is a matter of necessity, and it is not selfish.

The reason I selected this topic as my own is that as many of us tend to make other people happy (in particular referring to teenagers). I also wanted to dispel the idea that it was rude to say no and demonstrate the fact that saying no is empowering.

I also discovered to share my message by being more open and genuine in the process of getting ready to present my talk. I did this also by practicing tone, pacing, and clarity delivery. This experience gave me more confidence to use my voice not only on the stage, but in the real life as well.

Overview of my TEDx-Talk:

My TEDx presentation is related to ending the stigma of the mental health topic, which I am passionate about and concerned with because of its wide-scale consequences and underrepresentation. I told them how stigma erects obstacles that prevent individuals to get assistance and how it causes many individuals to remain quiet. I also mentioned the significance of open discussions and understanding through narrating personal experiences and providing facts that help to deal with this challenge.

It is relevant to share such an idea due to the fact that mental health is as vital as physical one, but it is surrounded by shame and fear. By altering the societal perception of mental health we will be able to build environments where people feel safe seeking help.

In the preparation process, I discovered that storytelling is a very effective way of appealing to an audience. Another aspect that I learnt was how to clarify ideas through organization and expressing my message in a more interesting way such as through vocally using pace and stress. This event increased my confidence in communication and also instilled greater values in me about the effects of communication.

Conversation

Harini Hiyoda Herath

The Power of Small Changes

My TEDx Talk, “The Power of Small Changes,” explores how tiny, consistent actions can create major, lasting results. We often believe that change has to be dramatic, crash diets, intense training, or huge lifestyle overhauls. but these big leaps can feel overwhelming and unsustainable. My big idea is that starting small is not only easier, but often more effective.

I shared my own journey of improving my health by beginning with one simple step: drinking an extra glass of water each morning. That led to short walks, healthier snacks, and other small habits. Over time, these small steps compounded into noticeable, positive change. Science supports this, small wins release dopamine, making it easier to stay motivated.

It’s important to share this message because so many people quit before they start, thinking their goal is too big. By focusing on one small change, anyone can take control and build momentum toward their dreams. While preparing this talk, I learned how powerful storytelling and pacing can be in inspiring others. I hope my audience leaves believing that their next big transformation could start with the smallest of steps, today.

Conversation

Haroon Mohammed Ifran

In my TEDx Talk, "Why Failure is the Secret Ingredient to Success", my topic attempts to address these fears of failure by reminding us that failure is in fact our teacher in life. My big idea is that each failure in life, whether at school, canons, or even in life has some lessons hidden in it that will fast track growth when accepted. This is an important message as many of us (I am among them) have escaped risks or quit after failing without being aware that we were at the verge of a breakthrough.

There are three thing I learned when preparing this talk: One, according to research, our brains grow best when we make mistakes (I like to thank Carol Dweck to such an extent that I use her book as my desk reference!). Second, vulnerability is one that reinforces the connection as was the case with my personal story of failure which made the science relatable. Third, when I break down complicated concepts (such as neuroplasticity) into lay peoples terms (such as: your brain upgrades through challenges'), then people remember it. What astonished me the most was the fact that preparing fails such as what I did when I practiced stumbling in the run-through made me more confident in final recording session.

Which of your failures proved to be a good surprise or blessing in disguise? I would like to know all about you!

The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion

My TEDx Talk discusses the dark side of fast fashion with an emphasis on the environmental and human costs of cheap and trendy garments. Although fast fashion is cheap and always new, it is expensive in other ways; it costs us contaminated rivers, microplastics in our seas, landfills that are out of control, and unsafe working conditions, and unbearably low wages to the garment workers.

I think that this message should be shared as clothing is a product that we all purchase and our purchasing decisions have worldwide consequences. With knowledge of the actual costs of what we wear, we can make more responsible choices, including shopping less, spending more on high quality clothing, thrifting and choosing brands that are ethical.

The training I underwent to prepare to deliver this talk made me learn how to intertwine storytelling with facts to make them more moving and engaging. I also found out that the audience can be more receptive and care to listen to you when you can relate to them on a personal level, such as by opening the talk by discussing the familiar experience scene of shopping.

My big idea is very straightforward: Fashion must never be at the expense of someone's health, dignity and the future of the planet. It is within our means to change the world, one purchase at a time.

OLC4O Unit 5 Summative Conversation
Ahamed Hiraz Nazrul

The Power of Small Acts: How Kindness Changes Our World

My TEDx Talk explores how simple acts of kindness can create a ripple effect that transforms individuals, communities, and even society at large. While kindness might seem small or insignificant, its impact can be powerful—improving mental health, building stronger relationships, and inspiring others to pay it forward.

I believe this message is important because kindness is something everyone can practice, regardless of age or background. By understanding the positive effects that even small gestures—like a smile, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement—can have, we can create a more compassionate and connected world.

Preparing for this talk taught me how to combine personal stories with research to make my message relatable and compelling. I learned that when you connect with your audience emotionally, they are more likely to listen, reflect, and take action. Starting my talk with a common experience of receiving unexpected kindness helped set the tone and draw people in.

My core idea is simple but powerful: Every small act of kindness has the potential to change lives and shape a better future. Together, we can make the world a kinder place, one small act at a time.

By Janmi Senaratne

My big idea is that openly talking about mental health is crucial because it can break the stigma and ultimately save lives. Mental health struggles affect many people, yet fear and shame often stop us from having honest conversations. I shared how mental health is just as important as physical health and how silence can make things worse by isolating those who suffer.

It’s important to share this message because in places like Sri Lanka, mental health issues are still taboo, and many young people suffer alone, sometimes with tragic outcomes. By encouraging open, kind conversations, we can create a supportive environment that helps people seek the help they need.

While preparing my talk, I learned the value of balancing facts with personal stories to connect emotionally with my audience. I also improved my communication skills by practicing pacing and emphasis to make sure my message was clear and impactful. This process made me more confident in speaking about a sensitive but important topic, and I hope it inspires others to break the silence too.