Speaking Up: My Journey from Fear to Freedom | DJ | Dong Jiang | TEDxCSTU
From shy and introverted to confident and empowered, Dong Jiang—or better known as DJ—is a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and passionate communicator. In this TEDx talk, he shares his personal journey of transformation through public speaking—from a silent observer to a bold self-expressor.
Having attended over 700+ events and connected with 6,000+ people around the world, DJ reveals how he turned fear into freedom—and how you can too.
Whether you're an introvert, a hidden talent, or someone longing to be heard, his story is a powerful reminder: If he can speak up, so can you.Event: TEDxCSTU
Date: May 18th, 2025
Location: California Science & Technology University (CSTU)
Website: https://www.cstu.edu?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedx2025&utm_term=dong_jiangSpeaker: Dong Jiang (DJ)
Learn more about the speaker:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dong-dj-jiang/
Check out his webpage: https://www.huajiaodj.com/
Speaker’s channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@HuaJiaoDJOrganizer: Leni Jin, Organizer of TEDxCSTU
Behind the scenes of TEDxCSTU:
Stories & notes: https://lenijin.com/tedx
More about the organizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenijin/
Organizer's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Leni_Jin#TEDxCSTU2025 #SelfImprovement #Communication #EffectiveCommunication #Storytelling #StorytellingSkills #Courage #OvercomeFear #OvercomingFear #PublicSpeaking #Motivation #Empowerment #LearningDisclaimer
This talk was recorded at TEDxCSTU, an independently organized TEDx event hosted at California Science and Technology University under a license from TED.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent those of TEDxCSTU, the university, or TED.
Dong Jiang or DJ, a lifelong learner who embodies the spirit of curiosity, growth and sharing. He is deeply involved in AI automation, building AI agents, and the world of no-code development. With a passion for public speaking and communication, he've learned from top mentors and coaches and attended around 700 events, connecting with over 6,000 fascinating individuals, and he’s not only committed to his own growth but also love to helping others improve their communication and public speaking skills 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
- 3:11The Power of Trying New Things | Hazel Beaver | TEDxKids@ElCajonWhat if one small “yes” could change everything? In this inspiring TEDx talk, second-grader Hazel Beaver shares how stepping onto a stage (even when she was nervous) taught her the power of trying new things. From building confidence to boosting mental health, Hazel shows that facing fears can lead to amazing opportunities, big and small. Her message is simple: when life gives you the chance to try something new, take it!This student developed their talk as part of the TED-Ed Student Talk Program in Cajon Valley Union School District. The purpose of TEDxKidsElCajon is to help develop and amplify student voices in our community to empower our youth by creating space for them to share their ideas, bringing awareness to their experiences, and advocating their perspectives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.tedxkidselcajon.com and https://www.ted.com/tedx Hazel is a 2nd grade student in Cajon Valley Union School District. 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
- 5:28What is Your Happy Place? | Frida Balcazar | TEDxKids@ElCajonWhere’s your happy place? In this uplifting TEDx talk, Frida Balcazar shares how Disneyland became her personal “happiest place on earth” and how anyone can find and carry their own happy place wherever they go. Through stories, imagination exercises, and practical tips, Frida shows how connecting to a place, memory, or activity you love can boost joy, ease stress, and help you through life’s ups and downs.This student developed their talk as part of the TED-Ed Student Talk Program in Cajon Valley Union School District. The purpose of TEDxKidsElCajon is to help develop and amplify student voices in our community to empower our youth by creating space for them to share their ideas, bringing awareness to their experiences, and advocating their perspectives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.tedxkidselcajon.com and https://www.ted.com/tedx Frida is a 5th grade student in Cajon Valley Union School District. 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
- 3:26Pages, Not Pixels | Amy Murdock | TEDxKids@ElCajonWhat if the greatest treasure you could ever find wasn’t gold or jewels, but a book? In this inspiring bilingual TEDx talk, sixth-grader Amy Murdock shares how learning to read in both Spanish and English opened up new worlds, boosted her learning, and helped her see the value of stepping away from screens. From Walt Disney’s words to personal stories about her reading journey, Amy invites us all to discover the magic waiting on the pages of a book, no battery required.This student developed their talk as part of the TED-Ed Student Talk Program in Cajon Valley Union School District. The purpose of TEDxKidsElCajon is to help develop and amplify student voices in our community to empower our youth by creating space for them to share their ideas, bringing awareness to their experiences, and advocating their perspectives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.tedxkidselcajon.com and https://www.ted.com/tedx Amy is a 6th grade student in Cajon Valley Union School District. 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
- 9:09Brilliant Minds Erased? The Hidden Crisis of ADHD Misdiagnosis in China | Beck Yang | TEDxBISZ YouthWe often imagine dystopia as high-tech surveillance or crumbling societies. But sometimes, it’s simply a child struggling to focus, mislabeled as lazy, and denied the help they need. Beck will explore how stigma, silence, and systemic gaps are quietly erasing neurodivergent lives in China. I am Beck, currently studying at BASIS International School in my junior year. I have been in this large community for 10 years. Verbal communication is always the first priority at our school; we have unique policies regarding speaking English. It is my honor to represent our school as one of the speakers for the TEDx speech. Besides doing speeches, I am also interested in debate, basketball, running, etc. My speech is actually about my experiences with ADHD and how I view this disorder in a positive way. I hope to help other people better understand this condition in China and how it can be regulated. 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
- 12:21Rest Is Rebellion: Fighting Burnout Culture | Teresa Suen | TEDxBISZ YouthIn a world that celebrates burnout as productivity, rest becomes rebellion. Teresa will reveal how the quiet pressure to succeed at all costs is creating a generation of exhausted students — and how choosing wellness over work might be the most radical act of all. Teresa Suen, a 10th grader who balances a life filled with academics, passions, and quiet self reflection, goes everywhere: from drawing in art class to speaking on stage, then spiking a volleyball while secretly thinking about math problems in the back of her mind. Often the first to arrive at school and the last to leave, she’s also been known to be chased out by teachers at the end of the day. As an active NHS member, she pushes herself not just because she has to, but because she believes that progress starts with effort. Teresa spends most of her time studying, especially History, which is her weakest subject but has taught her the most about resilience. She describes herself as someone who might seem like a robot sometimes, but inside, she is someone growing, questioning, and slowly understanding that success isn’t just about grades. Teresa expresses her voice through TEDx, not as a perfect student, but as someone learning how to take control of her own story. 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
- 6:21Passion as a Tool | Linda Xue | TEDxNewton North HSFinding passion in your work to drive you forward. Freshman at MIT, majoring in computer science and math. Graduated from the NNHS last year, class of 2024 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
