What makes a TED speaker special? Anyone can give a speech. But when you are able to speak passionately about something that you have created and that has made a positive impact on our world, and with that speech inspire others to impact their communities for the better, then you are at the TED level.

The common threads that are woven through all of these speakers are the willingness to give freely of their knowledge, authenticity, and outgoing personalities.

They have ideas worth spreading. Not selling, but spreading. Sharing them far and wide because they can make an impact. Yes, they can even illuminate.

Ideas that resonate most with audiences are those that propose answers to the questions that plague so many of us. Here are a few of the ones that most stand out in my eyes:

Sir Ken Robinson’s talk on creating more nurturing educational systems has more than 28 million views and is one of the most popular talks of all times. His combination of humorous anecdotes, acerbic wit, and scientifically proven facts engage and entertain audiences. While we grapple with trying to win the educational race to the top, we must ask ourselves: Are we training our racers to use their strongest talents? The ability to share knowledge without preaching is an attribute that is crucial to all TED speakers and one that Robinson has in abundance. 

Dan Habib’s TEDxAmoskeagMillyard talk examined the trailblazing concept of having everyone in our communities included in our communities. Habib’s story of the support his son, who was born with a disability, received from their town of Concord, New Hampshire proves that the answer to many of our problems can be found through being open-minded. His theme of advocating for inclusion supports the idea that diversity is natural and should be embraced. Habib’s authenticity comes from his observations of what is possible and what has been done. The credibility and purity of TED talks like his makes them both instantly memorable and fascinating.

Anyone who describes herself as “Shakira meets Muhammad Ali” has to be the life of the party; TEDWomen 2013 speaker Maysoon Zayid  is just that. Smart, beautiful and self -deprecating, she draws the audience in with her wit and candor. Zayid’s gregarious personality serves her well in connecting with her audience and lighting up the stage in a way that only a talented few can.

Enamored by the abilities of these speakers to excite audiences? Would you like to experience it firsthand here in Atlanta? Come see the talented men and women selected this year to bring these same gifts to the stage of TEDxPeachtree 2014. Don’t miss your opportunity to be illuminated. Buy your tickets today.

Maria Pinkelton is the Communication Specialist for the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. She lives in Decatur with her husband and son, along with a fine collection of books, craft beers and size 11 shoes.