The power of sharing your story | LeRon L. Barton | TEDxWilsonPark

What if everyone had a chance to tell their story? LeRon L. Barton is a writer and speaker from Kansas City who lives in San Francisco, Ca. He has authored two books “Straight Dope: A 360 Degree Look Into American Drug Culture” and “All We Really Need Is Love: Stories of Dating, Relationships, Heartbreak, and Marriage. LeRon has also published essays and articles about race, mass incarceration, politics, and dating. He has appeared in Al Jazeera, TEDx, Salon, Your Tango, Black Enterprise, The Good Men Project, Speakers Who Dare, and Raconteur. LeRon believes that as a writer, one of his responsibilities is to create, be honest, and encourage others to do so. He is a story advocate who believes everyone’s story counts and we should all share them. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 118

  • @edgartestrada
    @edgartestrada3 жыл бұрын

    I know that for a long time I have wanted nothing more then to have my voice be heard. Listening to this talk, watching him, his energy, his ability to communicate freely... Incredibly inspiring. No one deserves to be fade away, like he said.... I dare say he will inspire many to finally speak freely.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!!!!!

  • @jhonmaliq6404

    @jhonmaliq6404

    3 жыл бұрын

    thanks for sending me this, I am so like him.

  • @jhonmaliq6404

    @jhonmaliq6404

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MainlinePub you are very good to reply to your audience, very cool man.

  • @sofiatclara

    @sofiatclara

    3 жыл бұрын

    we all want to be heard, maybe the secret is listen 1st!

  • @shift-change

    @shift-change

    3 жыл бұрын

    agreed!

  • @bobskillings113
    @bobskillings1133 жыл бұрын

    The Ted platform allows for so many people to be heard. It's wonderful and I learn so much.

  • @archiefast
    @archiefast3 жыл бұрын

    3:07- “When everyone has a say, everyone has power”. Yes!! Powerful words and so so true! Lets give everyone a voice!

  • @aleidbarend
    @aleidbarend3 жыл бұрын

    I was brought up in a family where it wasn’t OK to give my opinion. I was a very shy child, afraid to speak and I finally overcame it. Now I can talk and its an incredible feeling!

  • @billywalters5469

    @billywalters5469

    3 жыл бұрын

    Me too, I know exactly what that feels like!

  • @gracemfindlay2831

    @gracemfindlay2831

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is why I love teds, always great new people talking about important things.

  • @bra-nd-on
    @bra-nd-on3 жыл бұрын

    “History is written by the victor”…it brings me a lot of hope that more and more people are challenging the history that has been written and making sure todays history is written through all perspectives.

  • @kinsleydanton
    @kinsleydanton3 жыл бұрын

    Being able to talk yes most of us can, to write is so important and impactful for the whole of mankind. It has a lasting effect.

  • @timmymckinley
    @timmymckinley3 жыл бұрын

    I know everyone bags on social media and how insulated online communities can be, but we are in a world where stories can be told and heard so readily. That is amazing and I think, if used right, they could really lead to some amazing healing.

  • @thecurenotthesymptom
    @thecurenotthesymptom3 жыл бұрын

    This is such a needed perspective, and truth. I haven't a clue what it would feel like growing up and not see yourself represented... But thank goodness he still felt the need to have his voice heard and his story told. So beautiful.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!!!

  • @grazynaparadowska1306

    @grazynaparadowska1306

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same, his story is so great and I know a lot of youth who would get a lot out of this.

  • @pascaldegarde6756

    @pascaldegarde6756

    3 жыл бұрын

    true..

  • @frasernicholson8509
    @frasernicholson85093 жыл бұрын

    The way that LeRon speaks and carries himself is really thoughtful and I want to say, relatable? Because I listen to him and I take on exactly what he's saying, it's like I have been in his shoes in a way? I'm not sure, but I appreciated this a lot.

  • @nickgravygraves
    @nickgravygraves3 жыл бұрын

    "Your story matters and you need to be the one telling it" Ain't that the truth. So many stories painted in a negative light because it's not told by those who lived it. This man is humble and electric, really enjoyed his way of being up there and putting forth what he did. Awesome.

  • @jasesyter

    @jasesyter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for linking me Nick, very cool and oh year about time.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!!! That is awesome!

  • @nickgravygraves

    @nickgravygraves

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MainlinePub Great Talk man!

  • @qaysdeshante
    @qaysdeshante3 жыл бұрын

    This is a spot on talk. LeRon has got the magic, loved watching this.

  • @mintylava4123

    @mintylava4123

    3 жыл бұрын

    He really does, such an awesome speaker

  • @-joanna-wang
    @-joanna-wang3 жыл бұрын

    I want to read both of his books and I find it really amusing how polar opposites they are. What a man of passion and raw honesty. His perspective is so spot on. Amazing talk.

  • @leronbarton9975

    @leronbarton9975

    3 жыл бұрын

    Joanna, thank you so much!!!

  • @gastonedupriese
    @gastonedupriese3 жыл бұрын

    It's so much easier to understand each other, to see things in a more balanced way when we have that of other perspectives to challenge our own.

  • @caroldutton1277

    @caroldutton1277

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agreed, sharing creates connection

  • @mintylava4123
    @mintylava41233 жыл бұрын

    When everyone is heard, new ideas and concepts are born. Very true! And very important right now that we remember to listen!

  • @chloesanduski
    @chloesanduski3 жыл бұрын

    The strength of his character radiates in this talk. He would be such a fantastic teacher or mentor.

  • @qaysdeshante

    @qaysdeshante

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's the vibe I'm getting too

  • @AnastasiaCostcalla

    @AnastasiaCostcalla

    3 жыл бұрын

    Chloe I loved this one! It's perfect! Thank you for sending my way! :)

  • @raulemstrada

    @raulemstrada

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah he's definitely someone I would listen to

  • @leronbarton9975

    @leronbarton9975

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wow Chloe, thank you so much.

  • @billjohnson8950
    @billjohnson89503 ай бұрын

    In my work as a Life Design Catalyst Practitioner, there is power in telling your story. The most powerful part of this video occurs at the 7:52, where he shares the following: "No one deserves to be forgotten. No one deserves to fade away. No one should come and go And have no one know he was ever even here. No one deserves to disappear. If you don't tell your story, You don't exist. It doesn't matter where you are from, How much money you have, Or where you went to school. We all need to be heard." Tell your story. Thank you LeRon for your powerful TED Talk!

  • @theshare3780
    @theshare37803 жыл бұрын

    This man has such a way about him, his voice instantly put me at ease and his perspective and his story are so important.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much !!! That is awesome to hear.

  • @sandycrisp4518

    @sandycrisp4518

    3 жыл бұрын

    I felt the same watching this, his energy is just so lovely

  • @bobbywie
    @bobbywie3 жыл бұрын

    We have to understand the power that we have and how much one story can impact many people. I think this is how we strive for a better humanity.

  • @caroldutton1277

    @caroldutton1277

    3 жыл бұрын

    And everyone's story has the power to do this!

  • @frasernicholson8509

    @frasernicholson8509

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think this too, because sometimes if we haven't done the work, if we haven't really looked at ourselves and our actions, our story can be quite detrimental for some

  • @archiefast

    @archiefast

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@caroldutton1277 We really do don't we :)

  • @nelsonpierse
    @nelsonpierse3 жыл бұрын

    …a stutter? You are so inspiring. Thank you for pushing and overcoming all you have to get this message out there.

  • @grazynaparadowska1306
    @grazynaparadowska13063 жыл бұрын

    I really like this guy's story and how writing gave him his voice. Wonderful guidance.

  • @tonirduran

    @tonirduran

    3 жыл бұрын

    This really moved me!

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@tonirduran @Grazyna Paradowska Thank you very much!! I am happy that my speech touches you.

  • @tamara3782
    @tamara3782 Жыл бұрын

    One of my students told me that when he discussed his anxieties with someone close to him, like his wife or a close friend, then he found that the moment he started opening up to them, the anxiety decreased-even before he received any advice or support. Togetherness definitely decreases anxiety. There is a saying in the wisdom of Kabbalah that “a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved,” i.e. when we share a sensation, we divide it up, and in turn it becomes more manageable. Since it is quite easy to see how sharing our experiences lessens our negative feelings, the question is why do we not use this ability more? Why is it so hard for us to share our fears and anxieties with others? We are indeed afraid of opening our hearts, letting everyone see that we have certain fears and anxieties. That is, in addition to whatever fears and anxieties we hold within, we usually have additional anxieties about sharing them with others, that it might cause others to perceive us as weak. Since society in general values stronger, smarter, wealthier and fitter individuals, opening up our anxieties to such a society makes us vulnerable to exploitation. We thus need to seek a social environment that would not exploit us for opening up, but would rather give us a sense of faith and confidence that it can help us cope with any negative feelings. A social setting that can guarantee faith and confidence in its members is one that actively draws itself to the upper good and benevolent force-the force of love, bestowal and connection. It is this very same force that awakens negative feelings in us, whether they be fears, anxieties or several other painful sensations, in order for us to draw closer to that force, and we do so by drawing closer to each other. If we wish to connect with the upper force and let its perfect quality of love, bestowal and connection fill our lives with a sensation of faith and confidence, then we need to emulate such a quality toward other people-giving them a sense of faith and confidence, and for them to do the same toward us. By wanting to positively connect with others, we then start awakening the positive force dwelling in nature into the connections we create, and we then feel a new sense of faith and confidence wash away any anxieties that we might be holding within.

  • @alantcase
    @alantcase3 жыл бұрын

    You're a natural on stage LeRon. Thank you for the inspiration.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Alan thank you so much!!!!

  • @-joanna-wang

    @-joanna-wang

    3 жыл бұрын

    Such a natural!

  • @justinberdand

    @justinberdand

    3 жыл бұрын

    He really is!

  • @johannaventuroli4398
    @johannaventuroli43982 жыл бұрын

    Amazing! This is so inspiring, thank you for sharing your story.

  • @bauthenticinc5074
    @bauthenticinc50743 жыл бұрын

    Love the quote "...put your stamp down..." and "No one deserves to disappear." Amazing talk!!! (and love the sneaks!)

  • @leronbarton9975

    @leronbarton9975

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!! Shell toes!!!

  • @mindfulmeditationsforall

    @mindfulmeditationsforall

    3 жыл бұрын

    yes so do I!

  • @justinberdand
    @justinberdand3 жыл бұрын

    We are lucky in a way, in this digital age.... Once upon a time story telling was left to a select few who would write down stories, history to us now, from only one perspective. Now, if someone writes a lie, the truth is easy enough to find. We have the ability to tell our stories now from our own perspective and they are shared far and wide and because of this our ability to relate to each other and to connect is at an all time high. I genuinely believe now is the time to pave the way for a new life and the only way that'll happen if people like Leron, tell their story. Loved this talk so much.

  • @tobiaskulik

    @tobiaskulik

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah great point, seeing all sides to a story now

  • @alextwarburton

    @alextwarburton

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@tobiaskulik And it turn seeing the truth!

  • @theoallan7474
    @theoallan74743 жыл бұрын

    I struggle to believe that my story is worth hearing and often I choose to keep quiet and listen to others rather than share. Thanks for this talk LeRon, though I don’t quite believe yet coming across this is feels kind of like a starting point for me to try sharing and believing that there is value in it for others and for myself.

  • @styledbysilvia

    @styledbysilvia

    2 жыл бұрын

    You’re worth sharing you story because God took his time making you. It was for a purpose. Not to sit in the back and listen. You are worthy

  • @thipparatchuri-nagrusk
    @thipparatchuri-nagrusk3 жыл бұрын

    'Im so glad i listened to the whole thing. Well said.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!!

  • @shift-change
    @shift-change3 жыл бұрын

    Class barriers says a lot.

  • @lacylahoma

    @lacylahoma

    3 жыл бұрын

    they say everything!

  • @ErinKalshaw
    @ErinKalshaw3 жыл бұрын

    In a world of success driven, money making power, the belief is unless you have a successful story to tell, no one is listening. That was 2018.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Erin!! Everyone has a story to tell!!

  • @charlesdonstand
    @charlesdonstand3 жыл бұрын

    Great 'talk'. Really well structured and delivered with wit and passion.

  • @abbeylordes7918

    @abbeylordes7918

    3 жыл бұрын

    good share man.

  • @camilaanders3419

    @camilaanders3419

    3 жыл бұрын

    I finally watched, he is a lovely man!

  • @championsitter1513
    @championsitter15133 жыл бұрын

    I would love to read your book LeRon!

  • @marierosko
    @marierosko3 жыл бұрын

    I can't imagine my life without telling my stories. We can just judge on any situation of our point of view, but to see a bigger picture we need someone else view, that's for sure.

  • @momenahmad1724
    @momenahmad17243 жыл бұрын

    I know that for a long time I have wanted nothing more then to have my voice be heard.

  • @JoeMullings293
    @JoeMullings2933 жыл бұрын

    This 👏 is 👏 amazing 👏

  • @surasakwichairak

    @surasakwichairak

    3 жыл бұрын

    brilliant talk!!!

  • @umadelecois

    @umadelecois

    3 жыл бұрын

    Brave and capable young man!

  • @svetlanavstarceva

    @svetlanavstarceva

    3 жыл бұрын

    Kind and gentle man.

  • @sandycrisp4518
    @sandycrisp45183 жыл бұрын

    Thanks to technology, we now have more opportunities to express ourselves... And I'm not entirely sure that's always a good thing. I do believe what this man is saying but I feel like there are a lot of people these days who hold onto stories that are not serving them just to elicit some sort of reaction from people. However, this man is clearly doing the right thing for the right reasons. A beautiful talk!

  • @chloesanduski

    @chloesanduski

    3 жыл бұрын

    I definitely get where you're coming from... Sometimes it's better to let go then to have to relive a story that hurts you

  • @jnthngnzlz
    @jnthngnzlz2 жыл бұрын

    That was so good, thank you LeRon

  • @MissUnderstoodasAlways
    @MissUnderstoodasAlways2 жыл бұрын

    Powerful

  • @ronaldeatman6603
    @ronaldeatman66032 жыл бұрын

    Awesome!!!

  • @rudaje2000
    @rudaje20002 жыл бұрын

    So compelling

  • @alextwarburton
    @alextwarburton3 жыл бұрын

    I thought your talk was very good - interesting, compassionate and truthful. Great work LeRon.

  • @MainlinePub

    @MainlinePub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Alex!!!

  • @tobiaskulik
    @tobiaskulik3 жыл бұрын

    Being heard is very important for every human. Profession, social status, race etc. Being heard is like a godsend in religion, and like self-reliance for atheists.

  • @roymoyeiii
    @roymoyeiii3 жыл бұрын

    Great talk LeRon! KC stand up!

  • @leronbarton9975

    @leronbarton9975

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thats whats up!!!!

  • @legacylivesej
    @legacylivesej2 жыл бұрын

    Keep Doing Yo Thang 💯 💪 💯 I'm sharing my story as well. 💯💪💯

  • @mariterodriguez5349
    @mariterodriguez5349Ай бұрын

    What do you think ai about increasing some value to write stories? Thank you very much for your ted talk and your opinion.

  • @tonirduran
    @tonirduran3 жыл бұрын

    I wish to tell my story one day…

  • @Ure_CSsR
    @Ure_CSsR3 жыл бұрын

    Wowwww amazing I am ure. I am from indonesia. I am still learning english leanguage and how to pronounciation it. I like your performance. Thanks alot 🙋🙋

  • @edgartestrada

    @edgartestrada

    3 жыл бұрын

    Keep at it friend! Your written english is better then most first language speakers.

  • @Ure_CSsR

    @Ure_CSsR

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@edgartestrada What do you think about my gramar

  • @nickgravygraves

    @nickgravygraves

    3 жыл бұрын

    This made me smile. Keep at it, you are doing well!

  • @mariam.9205
    @mariam.92058 ай бұрын

    Until the lion tells the tale, the glory will always glorify the hunter.

  • @celiasandaniels
    @celiasandaniels3 жыл бұрын

    Inspiring LeRon :)

  • @leronbarton9975

    @leronbarton9975

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Celia!

  • @mygiftisme
    @mygiftisme3 жыл бұрын

    I understand this and want so much for it to be something that changes the world…but those who listen are selective. People tend to hunt for an connect to stories and ideals that fit their world view and confirm their beliefs. Telling your story is one thing, having the skill, humility and openness to listen to all stories and be altered by ones that don’t match your inner beliefs…well, that is a whole other thing.

  • @stanchance

    @stanchance

    3 жыл бұрын

    Gotta have hope hey.... at the very least.

  • @robertjnoble

    @robertjnoble

    3 жыл бұрын

    It is changing though, people are becoming more aware, more compassionate, more empathetic.

  • @mygiftisme

    @mygiftisme

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@stanchance yes we must.

  • @lacylahoma
    @lacylahoma3 жыл бұрын

    If you haven't told your story do you even exist.

  • @thecurenotthesymptom

    @thecurenotthesymptom

    3 жыл бұрын

    haha true

  • @georgewatkiss
    @georgewatkiss3 жыл бұрын

    Make yourself matter, if you're not talking no one can listen.

  • @-joanna-wang

    @-joanna-wang

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great comment but dude, for those of us deathly scared of clowns your picture is triggering!

  • @raulemstrada
    @raulemstrada3 жыл бұрын

    What should people like me do? I am so shy and have underestimated myself my whole life and now I am just not sure that my story matters.

  • @jono2233
    @jono2233 Жыл бұрын

    "Without sharing there can be no justice; without justice there can be no peace; without peace, there can be no future." Maitreya, the World Teacher

  • @johnsmith-rd3zx
    @johnsmith-rd3zx2 жыл бұрын

    i dont need to share my story i need to share the bible instead..before i deleted my facebook i spent over of my own money 100 dollars donating catholic christian bible books...everything people need to know is already in the bible including the saying that marraige is between one man and one woman. honestly im just as lost as everyone else as a teacher student and actor without the bible