【杨澜TED英语演讲稿:怎样让每个人都可以成为自己】Good morning, everyone.

It’s an honor to be here today. I want to start by asking you a simple question: What does it mean to be yourself? In a world that constantly tells us who we should be—what we should wear, what we should believe, how we should act—this question has never been more important.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking with people from all walks of life, from young students to seasoned professionals, and one thing I’ve noticed is that many of us are still trying to fit into boxes that were made for someone else. We’re told to conform, to follow the path that others have laid out for us. But what if the most powerful thing we can do is simply be ourselves?

Let me take you back to my own journey. When I was younger, I was always told that I needed to be “polite,” “graceful,” and “ladylike.” These were not bad things, but they also came with expectations. I learned early on that there was a certain way to speak, a certain way to dress, and a certain way to behave. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized that these were not necessarily the only ways to be.

What I began to understand is that being yourself is not about rejecting society or breaking rules—it’s about knowing who you are, even when the world tries to shape you otherwise. It’s about finding your voice, even when it doesn’t sound like anyone else’s.

So how can we help each other become who we truly are?

First, we need to create spaces where people feel safe to express themselves. This means listening more than we speak, and valuing different perspectives over conformity. It means encouraging curiosity, not just obedience. It means allowing people to make mistakes, because that’s how we learn and grow.

Second, we need to challenge the idea that there’s only one right way to live. The world is full of diversity—not just in culture, but in thought, in identity, in purpose. When we accept that, we open the door for more creativity, more innovation, and more understanding.

Third, we need to lead by example. If we want others to be themselves, we must first be willing to be ourselves. That means embracing our unique qualities, even when they don’t fit the mold. It means standing up for what we believe in, even when it’s hard. And it means being brave enough to show our true selves, even when it’s scary.

I think the key message here is this: When we allow people to be themselves, we unlock their potential. When we let them express their thoughts, their dreams, and their values, we create a richer, more inclusive world.

In my work, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when people are given the freedom to explore who they are. Whether it’s a child discovering a passion for art, a woman redefining her career, or a man choosing a life that aligns with his values, every moment of self-expression matters.

So, as we move forward, let’s ask ourselves: Are we creating a world where everyone can be themselves? Or are we still shaping people into something they’re not?

I believe that the future belongs to those who dare to be authentic. Not perfect, not flawless, but real. Because when we are real, we inspire others to be real too.

Thank you.