Talk Description: In this TEDx talk, the speaker took "instant message reply" as the entry point and told two stories about "time-lapse". A fast-paced conversation and a letter spanning the seasons have sparked people's reflection on the rhythm and depth of communication in the information age. The true connection may not lie in time-lapse, but in time-lapse instead. Shenzhen Senior High School Grade 11 student Honorary Nomination for the 2024 Shenzhen High School Model United Nations Conference Academic Director of the English Group of the 24th Grade of Shenzhen College Model United College Second Prize of the 17th National High School Students' Innovative Composition Competition This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What does it really cost when we choose silence over honesty? In this powerful and deeply human talk, Elizabeth Bennett, TEDx speaker, award-winning educator, TV show host, and recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, reveals how avoiding difficult conversations erodes trust, stifles innovation, and fractures relationships. With 35+ years as a principal and now a leadership and communication consultant, Elizabeth shares real-world stories and strategies that transform communication breakdowns into breakthrough moments. Drawing from her upcoming book, Courageous Conversations in the Workplace, she challenges us to reimagine our approach to dialogue, whether at work, at home, or within ourselves. This is not just about talking; it's about having the courage to be heard, to connect, and to lead with integrity. Step into your conversations with courage,and discover what silence has been costing you. Elizabeth Bennett, is a TEDx Speaker, a TV Show Host, an Author, a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, an Education & Mentorship Award Winner and an award-winning retired principal with 35+ years in education. She is a leadership and communication expert who helps organizations foster trust, innovation, and productivity through courageous conversations. Now a consultant, she transforms communication challenges into opportunities for growth, ensuring leaders, teams, and families build meaningful relationships. Currently completing her second book, Courageous Conversations in the Workplace, Elizabeth is dedicated to creating environments where collaboration thrives and every voice is valued. Her mission: to inspire open, honest dialogue that drives lasting impact. "Step into your conversations with courage." This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can grief and happiness coexist? In this eye-opening talk, Dr. Sherry Shoemaker, a seasoned medical professional with over 40 years of experience as a registered nurse and acupuncturist, challenges society’s one-dimensional view of loss. Drawing from decades of frontline experience in hospitals and healing settings, she unpacks the emotional complexity of grief, including the unexpected moments of peace, growth, and even joy. With compassion and wisdom, Dr. Shoemaker redefines how we process loss, not as a path to be endured in silence, but as a transformative journey that can deepen our humanity. This talk invites us to dispel the myth that grief must be only sorrowful and instead embrace its full emotional spectrum.Discover how to honor your grief, and still find light within it. Dr. Sherry Shoemaker, PhD,RN, brings over 40 years of experience in the medical field, with a rich background as a registered nurse and acupuncturist. For 20 years, she has provided compassionate care as an acupuncturist, helping individuals manage their physical and emotional well-being. Throughout her career, Dr. Shoemaker has navigated many challenging experiences, including witnessing both expected and unexpected deaths while supporting families in the hospital setting. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In a world filled with clap-backs, cancel culture, and constant noise, teaching kids to be respectful feels harder than ever? In this powerful and humorous talk, educator and speaker Shauna King reveals the surprising neuroscience behind our words and how everyday language—what we say and how we say it—literally shapes children’s brains, behavior, and beliefs. Through personal stories, classroom moments, and a much-needed QTIP (Quit Taking It Personally), Shauna will challenge adults to raise our impact by rethinking our tone, our timing, and the voice we’re helping children build for life. Shauna F. King is an educator, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience helping schools build stronger, more positive learning environments. A former principal, student services specialist, and teacher, she now teaches graduate courses and travels nationwide as a school climate coach and keynote speaker. Shauna has trained over 14,000 educators, equipping them with practical strategies rooted in language, mindset, and relationships. Her work leads to higher student engagement, improved behavior, and stronger collective efficacy among staff. She’s the author of Children Are Listening, School Smart, and fearLESS. As a mother of two teenagers, she brings both professional expertise and real-life perspective to every stage she steps on. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We often hear the phrase “failure is not an option”—but what if it’s exactly what we need? In this honest and deeply personal talk, educator and changemaker Robert Sai shares how detours, discomfort, and so-called “failures” shaped his path from corporate consulting to school leadership, cancer care, and marine conservation. Reflecting on lessons learned through loss, uncertainty, and redirection, he invites the audience to rethink success as a process, not a destination. With humor and heart, he offers a guiding compass for young people seeking purpose: go where your heart’s deep gladness meets the world’s deep needs. This is a talk for anyone navigating change, questioning direction, or searching for a vocation that truly matters. Robert "Bobbit" Suntay is a distinguished educator and marine conservation advocate, recognized for his extensive experience spanning over 40 years. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Carewell Community Foundation, Inc. He combines his passion for education with his commitment to environmental stewardship, collaborating with notable organizations and institutions like Ateneo de Manila University and Xavier School . Notably, his illustrious journey includes the prestigious accomplishment of graduating from Harvard University, further solidifying his stature as a leader in both academia and conservation efforts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can art and technology save our oceans? In this inspiring TEDxDelrayBeach talk, ocean activist Katie Williams shares her journey from childhood dreams of being a mermaid to leading groundbreaking marine conservation efforts. Blending creativity, science, and 3D technology, Katie and her all-women team build underwater sculptures that double as coral reef habitats—reviving ecosystems and inspiring communities across generations. A mother, innovator, and lifelong ocean lover, Katie challenges us to rethink our impact on the planet—and to believe that small actions can ripple into powerful change. Learn how art can restore nature, reshape communities, and awaken a new generation of ocean guardians. Katie Williams, a marine conservationist and Director of Marketing at Ocean Rescue Alliance International, leverages her education in Business Psychology and MBA to pioneer underwater sculptures that double as reefs. She works to help restore coral ecosystems and educates communities, showcasing the synergy between art, science, and conservation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx