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Laughs Worth Spreading: 3 Funny TED and TEDx Talks Worth Watching

Half-face shot of woman with wavy brown hair smiling.
Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

We’re going through an “unprecedented time” right now. This is a phrase that’s being bandied about regularly lately. But it’s true, isn’t it?

I’ve lived a pretty long life, being close to half a century old. And never in my lifetime has a disease caused an upheaval that’s impacting lives and livelihoods on a global scale like COVID-19.

But even in circumstances of high tension, fear, and uncertainty we can make time to laugh and see the funny in life.

I hope the following videos will make you laugh, smile, think, and feel inspired.

3 Funny TED and TEDx Talks Worth Watching

Michael Jr.

More Than Funny

TEDxUniversityofNevada

Maybe you’ve heard of comedian Michael Jr., but I only “discovered” him recently. He had me laughing out loud from the outset of his presentation. But what stands out about this stand-up comedian is his ability to serve laughs with a message.

After watching his talk I did some research and learned that he is known as a Christian comedian. Did you know that was a thing? He regularly performs his comedy in churches. Churches, for God’s sake!

His humour is purposefully “clean” so that even his children (he has five, so maybe he’s Catholic?) can attend and enjoy his shows.

As God is my witness, you will laugh. Or chuckle, at the very least.

Shawn Achor

The Happy Secret to Better Work

TED

Okay, this guy talks fast. His wit is just as quick. He had my and the audience’s attention from the moment he began his presentation with an anecdote from his childhood. His comic timing is impeccable.

Although Achor is primarily recognized for his research on happiness and positive psychology, with his comedic skills, I think he could make a nice supplementary income as a comedian. Not that he would have time for that. He’s also the author of four books, one of which is a children’s book.

Tim Urban

Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator

TED

Despite what you’d assume with a name like Tim Urban, he is not a country singer. He’s the writer and illustrator of Wait But Why – a website featuring stick-figure-illustrated long-form blog posts.

As of this writing, Urban’s TED talk has 26+ million views on YouTube. Is it because the talk is super-hilarious? I don’t think so. I think it’s because the presentation is engaging. Urban’s engaging. Some may even say he’s charming. He’s also got a very good head of hair. Let me know if you agree of disagree.

And look at the topic – procrastination. If that isn’t a quality that millions of people can relate to, I don’t know what is.

I wouldn’t be surprised if people watched this video multiple times to procrastinate from doing whatever they were “supposed” to do.