Here's one of mine: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html

His energetic style and use of repetition make his message really strong and memorable.

Sir Ken Robinson's talk(s) on our education systems both in 2006 and 2009. Whereby I must say 2009 struck more of a nerve. I love the way he explains it so simply and objectively, bringing in real-life examples and telling it with an honesty that leaves you wondering why you hadn't heard this elsewehere a thousand times before, because that's how it really is: http://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution.html

Benjamin Zander on music and passion. Charismatic, entertaining, amusing, engaging, passionate and see how he really connects with the audience. http://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html

I like the underlying concept of this one: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html

I'm a big fan of TED myself and have helped organized local TEDx (TEDxNYC) conferences. I have many favorites but easily, my best one is Sir Ken Robinson on how schools are killing creativity. Check it out and let me know.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

Yes, Sir Ken will definitely become a classic. I'm a TED fan myself as well. What I learned from TED (and not only) is that stories are great instruments for learning. We learn by extrapolating other people's stories to our own situation. I actually think we learn better from examples than from general principles (despite the fact I studied philosophy so I should be vouching for the general principles and values).

I'm a big fan of that talk too, in fact it was the one which led me to discover TED in the first place! Organising the TEDx conferences must have been a great experience for you. I'd love to hear about what that was like :-)

The good news is that TED is already a pretty powerful brand. Most people have either heard about it or actually watched a video. So, it was a matter of getting them excited about having a local version of the TED conference in Long Beach. I have produced networking events, conferences and seminars in the past, so organizing a local TED event was a bit seamless. However, it is important to surround yourself with a good team.