Dora Puhakka was a Speaker at TEDxEspoo Youth 2025! What does it truly mean to connect with another human being? In this TEDx Talk, Dora Puhakka invites us to reflect on one of the most universal human needs: to be seen, to be heard, and to feel that we belong. From the beginning of the Talk we are reminded that human connection is not a luxury - it is a necessity. Yet despite living in an increasingly interconnected world, many of us feel isolated, divided, and misunderstood. This Talk explores how concept ...

Core Argument - Public speaking is not about self-importance but about serving the audience's needs [2][3] - Shifting focus from being a "spotlight speaker" (focused on self-perception) to a "lighthouse speaker" (focused on the listener's needs) is key to effective public speaking [3][4] - Authenticity and relatability are more important than perfection or forced confidence in connecting with an audience [3][5] Overcoming Fear and Vulnerability - The fear of public speaking often stems from the pressure to be perfect, which creates vulnerability [3] - Traditional advice to "speak up" or "take up space" can be ineffective as it shifts the focus back to the speaker [3] - Relatability makes a speaker more reliable and creates a stronger connection with the audience [3] Practical Application - To become a better public speaker, one should focus on delivering valuable information that serves the audience [2][3] - Great speakers prioritize the audience's importance over their own [3] - Understanding the listener's needs and having a strong belief in one's ability to help are crucial for effective communication [5]