What was your overall experience being part of TED-Ed Student Talks?

• Positive and Enjoyable: Many respondents described the overall experience as "awesome," "really fun," "amazing," or "very good," indicating high enjoyment.

• Personal Growth and Comfort Zone: The experience helped respondents overcome their fear of public speaking, brought them out of their comfort zone, and allowed them to be personal and creative while sharing something they cared about.

• Supportive Environment: Respondents highlighted that the people involved, including peers, partners, and teachers, were respectful, positive, supportive, and helpful, which made the experience enjoyable and calming, despite moments of nervousness.

• Role Specific Highlights: One respondent enjoyed being an MC and welcoming people, while another liked taking pictures with their partner, and one speaker found the event nerve-racking but fun.

What is one way this elective impacted you positively?

• Improved Public Speaking Confidence and Reduced Anxiety: Multiple respondents noted that the elective helped them overcome stage fright, reduce speaking anxiety, and feel better about speaking in front of people or large crowds.

• Enhanced Social Interaction and Openness: Several respondents gained confidence in talking to others, becoming more open to people, making new friends, and building bonds with classmates they normally wouldn't interact with.

• Skill Development and Goal Achievement: The class made one respondent a better speaker and helped others understand that practice and dedication can lead to creating something great or achieving an impactful goal.

• Supportive Environment: Respondents felt positively impacted by the supportive atmosphere, noting that people were kind and non-judgmental, which helped them speak without fear of being laughed at or judged.

What is one skill, habit, or mindset you feel you improved during this elective?

• Confidence and Anxiety Reduction: Multiple respondents reported an improvement in overall confidence, particularly in speaking to a crowd, along with a decrease in anxiety or nervousness when presenting.

• Improved Communication and Speaking Skills: Several students noted enhancements in general communication, writing, and speaking ability, including improvements in speed of talking and reducing stuttering or speech difficulties.

• Mindset Shifts: Respondents developed a more positive mindset regarding public speaking, including understanding that it's acceptable to be unsure about something, realizing people won't laugh if a mistake is made, and knowing that at least one person in the audience will agree or understand their message.

• Openness and Engagement: One student noted becoming more open about speaking and talking to new people, and another observed talking more frequently to students and teachers.