What makes one story unforgettable and another instantly forgettable? In this funny, insightful, and deeply engaging talk, novelist John Duffy explores the hidden ingredient behind every great narrative. With examples that range from Die Hard to Toy Story and Mean Girls, John reveals how meaningful change is at the heart of every story that moves us. Whether you're a writer, a film lover, or just someone who tells stories at the dinner table, this talk will change the way you think about storytelling forever. John F. Duffy is a writer and journalist. He co-created the true crime podcast series After the Uprising, which has twice been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. His 2022 novel, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, was shortlisted for the Indiana Authors Award for fiction. In 2024 his second novel, Where When It Rains, was released, and made Independent Book Review's "Best of 20204" list. He lives in Bloomington with his wife and daughter. He is a BJJ purple belt. 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
More from TED
- 18:40One More Day | Ananth Mahadevan | TEDxNM CollegeWhat can a Holocaust survivor’s will to live teach us about purpose? In this moving talk, Ananth Mahadevan draws inspiration from Ella Blumenthal’s story to reflect on his own journey through rejection, tragedy and artistic struggle. From science to global cinema, it's a testament to holding on - one more day at a time. Anant Mahadevan is an accomplished filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor, known for his thought-provoking storytelling and impactful contributions to Indian cinema, blending creativity with social relevance in his work. 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
- 7:09Sustainability & Me | Preetthika C V | TEDxThe NGP School CoimbatoreSustainability as essential to preserving the beauty of our world. The speaker's project, EduTools At EASE, focuses on bridging educational disparities and promoting sustainable habits among students. Through surveys and creative problem-solving, I developed a prototype aimed at empowering students while minimizing waste. Technology plays a crucial role in making sustainable education accessible, efficient, and eco-friendly.*Takeaway-Sustainability isn't just a global mission — it's a personal responsibility, starting with simple, innovative actions. Preetthika is a passionate advocate for sustainability through education, dedicated to making a difference through thoughtful and practical ideas. She combines her curiosity and deep thinking with leadership and organizational skills to develop meaningful solutions. Preetthika believes that even small efforts can create impactful change, inspiring her peers to rethink waste and resource use.She has a strong interest in public speaking and music her drive to learn deeply and connect meaningfully shapes her approach to both studies and social initiatives.Preetthika ranked among the top 25 students nationwide in the 2023 National Level Sustainability Competition organized by 1M1B (One Million for One Billion) in collaboration with Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd. Through this competition, Preetthika conceptualized “EduTools At EASE,” a project aimed at supplying quality stationery to students in need, leveraging technology to manage and track supplies efficiently. 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
