Are you ready for a good laugh? Then take a look at these thirteen hilarious TED Talks. From stand-up comedians to writers and even motivational speakers, you’re sure to find something here that’ll leave you in stitches.
Grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these top 13 funniest TED Talks!
Contents
- 1. I got 99 problems… (Maysoon Zayid)
- 2. The art of nerdcore comedy (Ze Frank)
- 3. A Theory of Everything (Emily Levine)
- 4. Inside the mind of a master procrastinator (Tim Urban)
- 5. It’s time for “The Talk” (Julia Sweeney)
- 6. The happy secret to better work (Shawn Achor)
- 7. Anatomy of a New Yorker cartoon (Bob Mankoff)
- 8. Comics that ask “what if?” (Randall Munroe)
- 9. A Saudi, an Indian and an Iranian walk into a Qatari bar … (Maz Jobrani)
- 10. This is what happens when you reply to spam email
- 11. Do schools kill creativity? (Sir Ken Robinson)
- 12. How healthy living nearly killed me (A.J. Jacobs)
- 13. Three ideas. Three contradictions. Or not. (Hannah Gadsby)
1. I got 99 problems… (Maysoon Zayid)
Maysoon Zayid cheerfully announces she has cerebral palsy and shakes all the time. She then walks us through a thrilling run as an actress, stand-up comic, philanthropist, and disability rights activist. With wit and grace, Maysoon’s unique perspective will leave you in stitches.
2. The art of nerdcore comedy (Ze Frank)
Get ready for a wild ride of laughter as Ze Frank takes the stage with his signature nerdcore comedy! From the ridiculous to the sublime, you’ll be left in stitches after this stand-up routine. He’ll provide comical relief and insights into why he loves helping people create and interact using simple yet addictive web tools. Don’t miss this unique experience!
3. A Theory of Everything (Emily Levine)
Emily Levine’s Theory of Everything offers a refreshing, humorous take on the connections between science, math, and society. She reveals hidden truths with witty humor and playful insights on many topics. Settle in for this fast-paced ride through ideas, and enjoy as Emily pings your brain!
4. Inside the mind of a master procrastinator (Tim Urban)
Tim Urban takes us deep inside the captivating mind of an expert procrastinator. With hilarity, poise, and a bit of self-deprecation, he explains why he waits until the last possible moment to finish tasks. He also urges us to consider what we’re really putting off before it’s too late.
5. It’s time for “The Talk” (Julia Sweeney)
Julia Sweeney stuns the audience with her hilarious tale of trying to explain reproduction to her eight-year-old daughter without telling a little white lie. She explores the awkward, funny, and serious sides of this conversation many adults have with their children about sex. You won’t be able to contain your laughter throughout this witty talk!
6. The happy secret to better work (Shawn Achor)
Psychologist Shawn Achor gives a bold and funny talk on how happiness drives success. He argues that happiness boosts productivity, not the other way around. Using his research and real-life examples, Shawn makes a compelling case that inspires and entertains.
7. Anatomy of a New Yorker cartoon (Bob Mankoff)
Get ready to giggle while you grasp comedic principles with Bob Mankoff, The New Yorker’s long-standing cartoon editor and self-declared humor analyst! With insight and contagious enthusiasm, he reveals what works in a joke and why it hits. He even walks through the process of selecting cartoons from the thousands submitted to The New Yorker weekly, making this an informative and lighthearted talk.
8. Comics that ask “what if?” (Randall Munroe)
Web cartoonist Randall Munroe combines humor and science to tackle everyday questions like “what if you hit a baseball moving at the speed of light?” with clever logic. His comedy blends math, physics, and logic to answer even the most ridiculous queries in an entertaining and educational way.
9. A Saudi, an Indian and an Iranian walk into a Qatari bar … (Maz Jobrani)
Maz Jobrani, the Iranian-American comedian, offers a unique take on serious Middle East issues. Using hilarious humor and clever wit, he tackles cultural differences and what to avoid saying abroad. This talk covers often overlooked topics in a funny, thoughtful way. His lighthearted approach to tough issues will make you think and laugh!
10. This is what happens when you reply to spam email
Writer and comedian James Veitch shares a hilarious story about his months-long conversation with a spammer promising a hot deal. His blend of curiosity, persistence, and wit turns an ordinary situation into something extraordinary. Get ready for irreverent laughs as you discover what happens when you reply to spam emails.
11. Do schools kill creativity? (Sir Ken Robinson)
Sir Ken Robinson lands joke after joke as he argues that schools squeeze the creativity out of kids long before they reach adulthood. His timing is impeccable, the anecdotes are warm, and the punchlines sneak up on you while he’s making a serious point about education. It is one of the most-watched TED talks ever, and the laughs are a big reason why.
12. How healthy living nearly killed me (A.J. Jacobs)
Author A.J. Jacobs spent two years following every health tip he could find, from sunscreen on his elbows to noise-cancelling headphones on the subway. He walks the audience through the absurd results with a deadpan delivery that keeps the room laughing. The talk is funny because the experiment is so committed, and it lands a few honest points about how exhausting it is to chase perfect wellness.
13. Three ideas. Three contradictions. Or not. (Hannah Gadsby)
Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby takes the TED stage with the same sharp, self-aware humour that made her Netflix specials famous. She picks apart how she sees the world as an autistic woman in a roomful of confident TED speakers, and turns the whole setup into a smart, very funny half-hour. Expect dry one-liners, a few well-placed jabs at the format itself, and a closing stretch that quietly sticks with you.