There are many things that make FHC unique to its district, but one thing that makes it stand out from other schools is the TED Talks that take place here. The TED Talks provide an opportunity for sophomores to become better at public speaking and reduce the fear of getting up in front of an audience and talking. This year, the class of 2027 is performing the TED Talks in both the honors and regular English classes. There are mixed feelings about them among the class, but everyone has to do one. It is a tradition that we have had since former English teacher Ken George created it, and it has been carried on since George left.
Mia Shaffer, a sophomore at FHC who is taking part in giving TED Talks this year, expresses that she is extremely nervous about the upcoming TED Talks. She thinks that they create a lot of stress for students, and for some, it is the most dreadful part of the year, but she has a positive outlook on it.
“I do think TED Talks are good for students,” Mia said, “because it teaches them how to improve their public speaking skills a lot, and how to talk in front of bigger audiences.”
Although Mia states that she believes TED Talks are good, she still has an undecided opinion on how she feels about it all. There are many things she is nervous about and feels unprepared for.
Mia’s opinion on the TED Talks is that they are good for students, but they can be very nerve-racking for most people. She thinks that, although there are many negative attitudes towards them, the benefits can outweigh the negatives a lot of the time.
“I’m most nervous about presenting them in front of different classes,” Mia said. “I don’t like public speaking. I’m also nervous about remembering what I’m going to say since we can’t have words or sentences on the slides, which makes the whole situation even more stressful than it already is.”
Sophomore Abby Blok is in English teacher Morgan Beckett’s class for Honors English. She is in the midst of preparing for her TED Talk, but her topic is still undecided. Abby thinks it is best to choose a topic that she is most passionate about.
Abby thinks that TED Talks are important to do at FHC because they improve public speaking in larger environments than a lot of students are used to. She also thinks it is a great opportunity to explore a topic that interests you.
“I think the point of TED Talks is to practice speaking in front of a large crowd,” Abby said, “and it is nice to speak out about something we are passionate about.”
Abby also thinks that TED Talks are great to do because everyone in the school, and all incoming freshmen, will all have at least one thing in common.
As a freshman, you are able to watch sophomores do their TED Talks for a glimpse of what it could look like for them. Abby likes that FHC does this because it gives underclassmen a chance to prepare beforehand.
“I think TED Talks at FHC are a great opportunity to practice public speaking in a larger environment,” Abby said, “and they also help students explore a topic on a much deeper level and share their opinions. I think we should have them because they are beneficial academically and also help students share their interests with their peers.”
Sophomore Katie Probst, enrolled in English teacher Anthony Sultini’s class, is very prepared for her TED Talk. She knows her topic, and she has already had a jumpstart on deciding what she is going to say.
Katie is just as nervous as anybody else, but being more prepared earlier is clearly a benefit because there is more time to rehearse and get things done. Katie is able to do her TED Talk on a topic she can relate to, which will make it easier for her to talk about it.
“My TED Talk is going to be about the importance of spreading awareness about Epilepsy,” Katie said. “Although I am nervous, public speaking is an important yet difficult skill. I love that I am granted the opportunity to build this skill because it will not only help me in college but also in everyday life.”
Even though Katie is already well prepared for the TED Talk, there is still a lot for her to do. Just like everyone else, it still stresses her out. Katie thinks that the nervousness and stress can be a good thing because it will drive every student to want to do and perform well.
Katie has not yet done her TED Talk, but she knows public speaking and is also thinking about enrolling in AP Seminar for her junior year. Considering this, she has some great advice for anyone who is nervous about the TED Talks.
“Stay true to yourself during this TED Talk,” Katie says. “When you are being yourself, it makes things easier and more natural.”
