The Power and Importance of...READING! | Luke Bakic | TEDxYouth@TBSWarsaw

Summary

In this engaging speech, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of reading. They argue that great readers become great writers, communicators, and persuaders, which ultimately benefits society. Criticizing the modern obsession with screens and social media, the speaker highlights the joys and advantages of reading, sharing personal anecdotes about their love for books. They advocate for the young generation to embrace reading as it enriches vocabulary, stimulates the mind, and offers unparalleled adventures. The speaker concludes by urging everyone to find and enjoy good books recommended by peers.

Takeaways

• 📚 Reading is essential for developing good communication and persuasion skills, which in turn create better societies.
• 🚫 The speaker criticizes the overemphasis on social media and screen time, suggesting it detracts from more enriching activities like reading.
• 🕒 Studies indicate that some children spend an alarming amount of time—up to six and a half hours a day—on screens, which is a problem that needs attention.
• 🧠 Not reading can lead to a less active or engaged brain, implying the importance of mental stimulation through reading.
• 📚 The speaker shares their personal reading journey, having enjoyed a variety of books including 'Winnetou', 'Harry Potter', Roald Dahl series, and 'The Unwanteds' series.
• 🏠 Reading is a personal sanctuary for the speaker, who enjoys it in various places, including hiding spots in their home to avoid being disturbed.
• 😄 There's a humorous anecdote about hiding behind a flower pot and pretending to be a flower to continue reading undisturbed.
• 🌟 Reading transports the speaker to different worlds and introduces them to people they could never meet, emphasizing the power of imagination and storytelling.
• 📝 The speaker benefits academically from reading, needing little preparation for spelling tests and having an impressive vocabulary.
• 🤝 Reading enhances the speaker's social interactions, often leading to adults discussing them after short conversations, highlighting the impact of reading on communication skills.
• 📖 The speaker implores the audience, particularly the younger generation, to value reading as a fundamental skill and to seek out recommendations from peers for the best books.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented by the speaker about the importance of reading?

The speaker argues that reading is essential for developing great communicators and persuaders, which in turn leads to the creation of good societies.

Why does the speaker believe that the current focus on technology is 'crazy'?

The speaker thinks it's crazy because the obsession with games, TV shows, and social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Bitmoji is overshadowing the value of reading and active engagement of the brain.

According to the speaker, what is the consequence of not reading enough?

The speaker suggests that not reading enough can result in a less active or engaged brain.

How many hours a day do some kids spend on screens, as mentioned in the script?

Some kids spend as much as six and a half hours on screens each day, according to studies cited by the speaker.

What are some of the book series and authors the speaker has enjoyed reading over the past year?

The speaker has enjoyed reading 'Winnetou' by Karl May, the 'Harry Potter' series, the Roald Dahl series, and 'The Unwanteds' series, among others.

Why does the speaker consider reading as an adventure?

Reading is seen as an adventure because it takes the reader to places they can't physically go and lets them meet people they can't meet in real life.

In what various places does the speaker enjoy reading?

The speaker enjoys reading in bed, on the move while walking, in the toilet, in queues, in vehicles, and most importantly, at home.

What humorous anecdote does the speaker share about their love for reading?

The speaker humorously recounts hiding behind a flower pot and pretending to be a flower to avoid being found and thus continue reading uninterrupted.

What benefits does the speaker attribute to reading in terms of their academic and social life?

The speaker attributes improved vocabulary, not needing to study for spelling tests, and impressing grown-ups in conversations to the habit of reading.

How does the speaker compare the art of reading, writing, communicating, and persuading to societal ills like text messages, tweets, and snaps?

The speaker compares these art forms to societal ills by suggesting that while modern technology has its place, the young generation must hold on to reading as it is the key to their kingdom.

What advice does the speaker give to the audience regarding choosing a book to read?

The speaker advises the audience to find a good book, emphasizing that the best choices are those recommended by another kid.

What is the final call to action the speaker makes to the audience?

The speaker's final call to action is to encourage the audience to go out, find a good book, and start reading.