Lark is a dancer who is deaf. They tell the story of their parents learning they is deaf, and how music is such an important part of their life. They experience music in a full-bodied way because they cannot hear it. 

This TED talk features Jamila Lyiscott, a self-described "tri-tongued orator," who delivers a powerful spoken-word essay about language and identity. She explores the three distinct varieties of English she speaks: with friends, in the classroom, and with her parents. Through her performance, Lyiscott challenges the notion of what it means to be "articulate" and celebrates linguistic diversity. She argues for the equal value of different English dialects, questioning who controls the definition of eloquence and highlighting the complex history and identity each language represents.  

Roxane Gay has used writing as a means to untangle and communicate her own trauma since childhood. Now a successful author, professor and mentor to many, she advises young women and aspiring writers on how to harness their voices. Gay shares her Brief But Spectacular take on effective ways of being heard. 

Norm Macdonald’s “moth joke” illustrates the power of comedic storytelling through its exaggerated buildup and unexpected punchline, demonstrating how pacing and tone can captivate an audience. The joke thrives on misdirection, as Macdonald stretches a simple premise into a dark, meandering tale, keeping listeners engaged with detailed character development. It shows that a storyteller doesn’t need a complex plot—just control over timing, language, and surprise—to hold attention and deliver a memorable payoff.