Learning English as a second language can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Expanding your English skill opens up opportunities to connect with people worldwide, enjoy English media, travel confidently, advance your career, and more. In this article we talk about why TED Talks- Perfect for English Beginners.
Luckily, in today’s digital age there are abundant free resources available to help you improve your English. One great resource is TED Talks. TED (which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas in short, powerful talks.
TED Talks feature expert speakers presenting big ideas in science, tech, creativity, business, and more. Their presentations are subtitled in over 100 languages, providing an engaging way to learn English through listening, reading, and making connections.
If you’re just starting out learning English TED has many beginner friendly talks that use simple vocabulary and grammar. By watching TED Talks made for English learners, you can expand your knowledge while getting used to the rhythm and flow of the English language.
Here are 5 great TED Talks perfect for English beginners
5 techniques to speak any language by Sid Efromovich
Key topics: Language learning tips and strategies
In this upbeat talk, Sid shares the most important principles for learning a new language. He explains key methods like listening to the sounds around you, learning phrases for practical situations, teaching what you know to others, and more. Even as a beginner, you’ll benefit from Sid’s simple, memorable language hacks.
How I learned English by Xiaoxue Kuang
Key topics: Personal story of learning English
Xiaoxue recounts how she moved from China to the US unable to speak any English, and shares the creative ways she learned the language. By relating Xiaoxue’s personal journey studded with photos, this talk puts a fun, visual spin on the English learning process.
Where did English come from? by Kate Gardoqui
Key topics: History and origins of the English language
This lively talk traces English back to its ancient roots. Kate uses engaging graphics to explain how English evolved through invasions of societies like the Romans, Vikings, and Normans. She simplifies complex linguistic history into an amusing story showing how English became the globally widespread language it is today.
Talking to strangers by Prasanna Ranganathan
Key topics: Making conversation in English, importance of small talk
Even basic English conversations can seem intimidating when you’re starting out. Prasanna argues that talking to strangers is good practice and shares simple tips to make small talk less scary. With humor and empathy, this talk encourages beginners to build conversation skills by taking small risks to connect.
The magic of the English language by Jay Walker
Key topics: Beauty, complexity and quirks of English
This talk celebrates the English language in all its confusing but amazing glory. Through eye-catching photos, Jay shows off the many marvels of English, from its huge vocabulary to playful rhymes. He reminds us that learning English is a journey full of wonder, humor, and surprise.
The great thing about these TED Talks is that you can watch them again and again, allowing messages to sink in at your own pace. And since the talks are just a few minutes long, you won’t get overloaded as a beginner.
As you become more comfortable with English, you can expand your learning through more advanced TED Talks on topics you’re passionate about. But for starters, the talks above are engaging, easy to grasp, and full of encouragement.
Beyond these talks there are many other high-quality English learning resources on the TED platform and TED-Ed lessons website. And subtitles let you follow talks in English while reading translations in 100+ languages.
Immersing yourself in English daily is key on your learning path. So put these TED Talks on your routine playlist for bite-sized lessons from great speakers. Let their wisdom, humor, and insights soak in as you master English – one talk at a time!
