Right now, someone in your life is creating a story about you that isn't true. You're probably doing the same about them. And neither of you realizes it's happening.In this thought-provoking talk, René Rodriguez reveals one of the most powerful psychological forces shaping human perception and connection. Drawing on three decades of research in applied neuroscience, he uncovers how our brains automatically fill incomplete information with stories—and why this matters for every relationship in your life.From unanswered text messages to unexplained silences, narrative gaps surround us daily. Our minds can't tolerate these voids, so they create stories to fill them—often stories that reveal more about our fears than reality. As technology fragments our communication and distances us from each other, understanding this phenomenon becomes crucial for building authentic connections.This isn't just about better communication—it's about transforming how you interpret silence, navigate misunderstandings, and connect with others in an increasingly disconnected world. By recognizing the narrative gaps in your life and choosing how to fill them, you'll discover a pathway to deeper empathy and more meaningful relationships.René challenges us to become conscious creators of the stories that shape our connections, reminding us that "we become the stories we choose to believe." René Rodriguez is a behavioural neuroscience expert, leadership strategist, and bestselling author with more than 30 years of experience. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, educators, and entrepreneurs on how to use storytelling and science to improve influence and communication. In his TEDx talk, René breaks down how internal narratives are formed and how they shape every decision we make. He offers accessible, research-based tools that allow individuals to challenge limiting beliefs and build more intentional, empowering versions of their personal stories. 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
- 15:16Lessons from the sex professor who never dated | Catherine L. Dutton | TEDxTWUDr. Catherine L. Dutton explores the concept of access through her journey as a sexuality educator entering the dating world for the first time in 2024. During that year she learned not only about relationships, but about how to access her authentic self. Using humor and relatable stories, Dr. Dutton discusses themes around identity and societal norms. (Did you know Netflix and Chill doesn't usually include actually watching Netflix??) This talk will resonate with anyone who has felt like they were starting from scratch or struggling to reconcile their inner self with external expectations.Catherine L. Dutton, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Sciences at Texas Woman’s University. With a doctorate in Family Studies, her research and presentations focus on innovative teaching practices and advocacy for parenting students. Beyond academia, Catherine speaks on finding your authentic self along with her own story of dating for the first time at 47. She shares insights on discovering one’s true self after a lifetime of prioritizing others’ expectations. Catherine is also an award-winning quilter whose work has appeared in national juried shows. She cherishes her role as a devoted aunt to eleven niblings and delights in the company of her three cats. An avid reader of books “that make others fall asleep,” she brings depth, warmth, and unexpected humor to conversations about life’s most challenging transitions.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
- 13:50The prophetical gift of Indigenous story | Katłıà (Catherine) Lafferty | TEDxVictoriaStories aren’t folklore – they are survival. Learn how Indigenous storytelling traditions offer crucial insights for addressing water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable living practices rooted in thousands of years of earth-centered wisdom. Katłıà (Catherine) Lafferty is a Dene woƒman from Dënéndeh, Northwest Territories, whose northern roots and matrilineal lineage deeply inform her storytelling. She is working in the RELAW program (Revitalizing Indigenous law for land, air and water) at West Coast Environmental Law, a non-profit organization based in British Columbia that uses the law to address environmental issues. An accomplished author, her works include Northern Wildflower, Land-Water-Sky, This House is Not a Home, Firekeeper, and the forthcoming Mother Earth is Our Elder. Katłıà’s writing weaves together personal experience, Indigenous knowledge, and activism. She is a mother, grandmother, and daughter of many mothers, including Mother Earth. 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
- 15:17How AI serves us, fools us, and needs a scorecard | K Krasnow Waterman | TEDxVictoriaGenerative AI can be powerful, but it’s not magic. It works best when we understand its limitations, set realistic standards for reliability, and demand accountability before trusting it with critical decisions. K Krasnow Waterman has held C-suite roles across government, finance, and academia. Following a midcareer JD and a Master’s in global management and innovation, she’s spent recent years helping build companies in all industries from startup through $10+B, as well as performing AI research at MIT and providing board leadership and entrepreneurship education. Through her company, Tcomplete Canada Inc., she supports tech innovation and transformation—from product design and strategy to policy and commercialization. Locally, she’s involved with organizations like the Indigenomics Institute and COAST’s advisory board. K brings energy and insight, offering a 360-degree view of the future of tech and leadership. 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
- 14:00Salmon runs: a pathway for reconciliation | Bob (Galagame') Chamberlin | TEDxVictoriaWild Pacific salmon populations have declined 90% since the 1970s, threatening Indigenous food security and culture. But these fish are more than food — they are culture, identity and a shared pathway to reconciliation that will benefit entire ecosystems, economies, and communities. Bob (Galagame') Chamberlin is a lifelong advocate for Wild Pacific Salmon, food security, and Indigenous rights. He served 14 years as elected Chief Councilor of the Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation and nine years as Vice President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. Galagame' led negotiations resulting in the removal of fish farms from the Broughton Archipelago and consulted for Homalco, Tla'amin, and Klahoose First Nations on the Discovery Islands. He is the founder of the First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance and has spoken on Indigenous rights and environmental justice at national forums and the United Nations Convention in Geneva. His work centers on true reconciliation and lasting environmental stewardship. 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
- 15:51From polar bears to phytoplankton: stories of connection | Sunniva Sorby | TEDxVictoriaAn explorer turned citizen scientist reveals how ordinary people can contribute to cutting-edge research, from tracking polar bears to partnering with NASA. Through stories of survival, climate change, and connection to the natural world, discover why protecting what we love may be the most important expedition of all. Sunniva Sorby is a polar explorer, climate advocate, and citizen scientist dedicated to protecting our planet. In 2020, she became one of the first women to overwinter solo in the Arctic, spending 19 months off-grid to advance climate research through Hearts in the Ice, a global initiative engaging 150,000+ youth. A sought-after speaker, she has presented for Google, the UN (COP26), and National Geographic. Sunniva has been featured in BBC, CNN, Forbes, and Canadian Geographic. A Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, she continues to inspire action through storytelling, youth engagement, and an upcoming documentary bringing her Arctic experiences to life. 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
- 12:55What silence taught me about speaking up | Leah Wang | TEDxVictoriaFrom complete silence to the TEDx stage, Leah’s story traces selective mutism, speech struggles, and growing up across multiple languages. With the help of a youth debate club, her biggest fear transformed into a passion for public speaking and advocacy. Leah Wang is a passionate public speaker, youth mentor, and advocate for accessible communication education. Growing up with selective mutism and a severe stutter, she overcame immense challenges to discover that public speaking isn’t about perfection—it’s about being heard. At just 15, Leah has founded a nonprofit that has reached over 5,580 students across 22 international branches, making public speaking education accessible regardless of financial or systemic barriers. She believes communication is one of the most transformative skills a young person can develop. Whether in classrooms or communities, Leah is proving that no matter where you start, your voice can make a difference. 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
