Category: TED Videos

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Stage Fright: Why Do We Fear Public Speaking

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Stage Fright: Why Do We Fear Public Speaking
By Ahmad Amirali

Once my teacher told me, when I was in school, to go in front of the class and describe what good and bad conductors of electricity are. As the subject of science was one of my favourite subjects, I gathered all my strength and went to the podium which was placed in the middle of our lecture room. My hands were full of sweat, heart tumbling inside-out, stomach knots and having a strong urge to cry out loud. I realised that speaking randomly to people is much different than speaking in front of the same people. Why would I afraid of talking in front of people whom I met and talked every day? Continue reading “Stage Fright: Why Do We Fear Public Speaking” →

The Art of Metaphors and Similes

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

The Art of Metaphors and Similes

We humans often use examples to convey our thoughts to other people. Examples help us better articulate our thoughts and make sense to others, and the majority of the time, we use metaphoric language in our conversations. Why we use metaphors and how it helps us and others to understand any idea or thought better.

Jane Hirshfield explains how do metaphors help us better understand the world? And, what makes a good metaphor? She explores these questions with writers like Langston Hughes and Carl Sandburg, who have mastered the art of bringing a scene or emotion to life. Continue reading “The Art of Metaphors and Similes” →

Why Do We Need to Teach Our Girls to Be Brave, Not Perfect?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Why Do We Need to Teach Our Girls to Be Brave, Not Perfect?

Today, one of my previous students, who is now under graduation, approached and asked me a question that made me write that article. She said she wants to complete her graduate studies and wants to apply for a Fulbright scholarship. However, she was afraid that she might not make it through the last level because everybody, from her friend circle to her relative, opposed her decision. As a teacher and well-wisher, I said what I was supposed to say: always listen to your heart and mind instead of people who hardly know who you are. Success and failure are depending on how much effort you put forward to achieve your goal. However, the question is, what makes her afraid of what she wants to accomplish in her life? But before asking that question, one should ask why she is worried about whatever choices she wants to make for her future development? Continue reading “Why Do We Need to Teach Our Girls to Be Brave, Not Perfect?” →

Does Freedom of Choice really Exist?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Does Freedom of Choice really Exist?
By Ahmad Amirali

Since I was a child, I always wondered why there is no straight answer to every question. Why we always have choices in our lives? Why do we need to make decisions for what we want? Sometimes, in our lives, we ask such questions because we expect that there should be someone who makes our decisions for us. However, one may ask, is freedom of choice make us more dependent rather than independent. Does freedom of choice really exist?

Psychologist Barry Schwartz aims a central tenet of western societies: freedom of choice. In Schwartz’s estimation, the choice has made us not freer but more paralysed, not happier but more dissatisfied. He believes that this ‘paradox of choice’ produces paralysis rather than liberation. Most of the time students ask me ‘sir, what do you think, what career should I choose after graduating school? Is science good for me because I am good at maths and stuff or I rather chose fine arts because I love drama?’ With so many options to choose from, students find it very difficult to choose at all.

Let review the Ted talk of Barry about the paradox of choice and find out is freedom of choice really exist? Continue reading “Does Freedom of Choice really Exist?” →

Why Kids Need a Champion in Their Lives?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Why Kids Need an Inspiration in Their Lives?

During my teaching, there were several instances where students expressed their feelings about my personality. The way I talk, the clothes I wear, even the bracelets I habitually wear in school, the way I smile, crack jokes etc. Expressive student behaviour shows how much students are aware of you, inspire you or hate you. In my case, students inspire me; some compete with me, struggle to like me or just don’t even bother whatever I say to them. Overall, students first human encounter they ever have outside their family are you guys – Teachers. We, teachers, have ever wondered what the value of human connection in our profession is? Continue reading “Why Kids Need a Champion in Their Lives?” →