“I had a choice: let fear define me or use it to push myself forward. So I stepped up. I spoke, even when my voice shook. I stood, even when my legs felt weak. And slowly, that shyness transformed into confidence.That was when I realized that shyness is not a barrier—it is the starting point for growth and self-conquest.”
Minh Ngoc (11Sedona) shared this powerful reflection at TEDxTDS, encapsulating the very essence of what the speakers sought to convey. Public speaking is a daunting challenge for many, yet on the TEDxTDS stage, 12 talented speakers from The Dewey Schools and other high schools across Hanoi courageously faced this fear, transforming their anxiety into a driving force to assert themselves.
With the theme “Beyond the blueprint, mapping your own way,” the speakers captivated the audience with their personal journeys, inspiring a mindset of bold thinking and action—daring to break away from convention. Their stories ranged from overcoming self-doubt and the fear of inadequacy to the realization of a 12th-grade student: “If you can’t articulate your ideas, even the most brilliant thoughts become meaningless.” Another speaker questioned societal expectations through the lens of a hair clip trend: “Do I truly want this, or am I simply afraid of being left behind?”
Beyond personal experiences, TEDxTDS also provided a platform for students to express their perspectives on pressing global issues. At just 16 years old, the speakers impressed audiences with their analyses of complex topics, such as the advantages and drawbacks of Bitcoin compared to traditional currency, as well as the ethical and social responsibilities associated with artificial intelligence. With meticulous preparation, sharp reasoning, and confident delivery, these young minds turned TEDxTDS into a stage for intellectual discourse and critical thinking.
What may come as a surprise is that behind the professional execution of TEDxTDS stood The Dewey Student Council (DSC), the event’s organizing committee. From their early high school years, Hoàng Anh and Trung Kiên (11Orlando), both DSC members, envisioned bringing the renowned TED Talks platform—a globally recognized English-speaking stage—to The Dewey Schools Tay Ho Tay. Today, that vision has become a reality.
With guidance from Mr. Nicholas Allen Stevens, a humanities teacher, and strong collaboration with the school, DSC successfully secured the TED Talks license in October 2024. Over the course of six months, they took charge of every aspect of the event—from planning, marketing, and designing promotional materials to overseeing production. Trung Kien shared: “Through this event, we had the opportunity to develop leadership skills, enhance our communication abilities, strengthen teamwork, and refine critical thinking.”
As DSC President, Hoang Anh emphasized the significance of TEDxTDS: “The inspirational and innovative spirit of TED Talks aligns perfectly with this year’s theme at Dewey: ‘Beyond the blueprint, mapping your own way.’ TEDxTDS is not just a stage for showcasing English proficiency—it is a forum for students to pioneer unique ideas, leave their personal mark, and inspire the wider community.”
TEDxTDS attracted not only students from across Hanoi but also left a profound impression on parents. Mrs. Bui Oanh, a parent from Vinschool Times City, shared, “This was the first time my son took the stage and confidently delivered a speech. It was made possible thanks to the dedicated support of Dewey’s coaching and mentoring team. I truly admire the vision and capabilities of the organizers—they have created a meaningful platform that fosters connection, learning, and personal growth while spreading a positive impact within the community.”
