Brene Brown Leaves the Audience SPEECHLESS | One Of the Best Speech EVER

Summary

In this inspiring TED Talk, the speaker, a researcher, shares her journey of vulnerability after a viral TED Talk led to harsh online criticism. She found solace and strength in a Theodore Roosevelt quote, realizing that to show up and be seen in life and work means facing challenges bravely. She advocates for embracing vulnerability, not numbing emotions, and raising children to understand their worth despite imperfections. The talk encourages authenticity, courage, and the belief in one's own enoughness to foster kindness and connection.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The speaker, a researcher, unexpectedly became very public after a TED Talk went viral, leading to widespread exposure and personal attacks online.
• 🚫 Following advice from her therapist and husband, she initially avoided reading online comments to prevent negative impacts on her mental health.
• 😔 Despite the advice, she read comments that were devastatingly personal, causing her to question her work and even consider cosmetic procedures like Botox.
• 🛋️ After a particularly distressing morning, she spent the day watching 'Downton Abbey' as an escape from the harsh reality and criticism.
• 🔍 During her escape, she researched the U.S. president during the 'Downton Abbey' era and discovered a Theodore Roosevelt quote that deeply resonated with her.
• 🗣️ The Roosevelt quote emphasized the importance of being in the 'arena', taking action and risks, and not just being a critic or pointing out others' failures.
• 💪 This quote shifted her perspective on vulnerability, inspiring her to embrace showing up and being seen, despite the potential for failure and criticism.
• 🎨 She resolved to create and contribute, accepting that to do so means facing challenges and possibly getting 'kicked' in the process.
• 🚫 She developed a philosophy of disregarding criticism from those not actively participating in their own arenas of life.
• 🌐 The speaker highlights the interconnectedness of emotions, stating that numbing vulnerability also numbs joy, gratitude, and happiness.
• 🧩 She criticizes the societal tendency to numb vulnerability through addiction, certainty in beliefs, and the pursuit of physical perfection.
• 👶 The importance of raising children to embrace their imperfections and struggles while knowing they are worthy of love and belonging is emphasized.
• 💡 The speaker calls for authenticity and accountability from corporations and leaders, rather than pretending their actions don't affect others.
• 🌟 She concludes with the belief that allowing ourselves to be deeply seen, practicing gratitude, and believing in our own worth are essential for a meaningful life.

Q & A

What was the turning point for the speaker after her TED Talk went viral?

The turning point was when she read devastating personal attacks in the comments online, which led her to a moment of introspection and eventually to a transformative realization after reading a quote by Theodore Roosevelt.

What advice did the speaker's therapist and husband give her regarding online comments?

They advised her not to read the comments online to avoid the negative impact they could have on her mental well-being.

What TV show did the speaker binge-watch after being affected by the online comments?

The speaker binge-watched 'Downton Abbey' as a form of escapism from the negativity she encountered online.

Who was the U.S. President during the era of 'Downton Abbey', according to the speaker's research?

The U.S. President during the 'Downton Abbey' era was Theodore Roosevelt.

What quote from Theodore Roosevelt had a profound impact on the speaker's life?

The quote that impacted her life was from his 'Man in the Arena' speech, emphasizing that credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, facing challenges and daring greatly.

How does the speaker define vulnerability and its relation to showing up and being seen?

The speaker defines vulnerability as not about winning or losing, but about showing up and being seen, embracing the reality that it involves facing challenges and potential criticism.

What personal philosophy about criticism did the speaker develop after her experience?

The speaker developed a philosophy that if someone is not also in the arena, facing their own challenges and criticisms, their feedback is not of interest to her.

How does the speaker view the relationship between vulnerability and emotions such as joy and happiness?

The speaker believes that you cannot selectively numb emotions like vulnerability, grief, or fear without also numbing positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and happiness.

What is the speaker's perspective on how we numb vulnerability in our society?

The speaker suggests that we numb vulnerability through addiction, seeking certainty in religion and politics, and by striving for physical perfection, which can lead to a dangerous cycle.

What message does the speaker have for leaders and corporations regarding authenticity and accountability?

The speaker encourages leaders and corporations to be authentic, real, and accountable, admitting when they are wrong, apologizing, and committing to fix their mistakes.

What values does the speaker believe are essential for individuals to embrace in order to live a fulfilling life?

The speaker believes that embracing values such as courage, authenticity, gratitude, and the belief that one is enough can lead to a more fulfilling and connected life.