English Inspired by TED Lesson #4 - The puzzle of motivation | Dan Pink | TED

I just watched this TED talk for the first time, and I really liked it! Dan Pink talks about what motivates people and a new 21st-century model for business to consider based on the findings of psychologists and economists from institutions like Princeton, MIT and the London School of Economics. Before watching, have a look at the warm-up questions and vocabulary below, make some notes and look up the new words, then have a look at the video!

A. Warm-Up

1. What makes you want to work hard at your job?

2. What helps people to be more creative and better at solving problems at work?

3. Is there anything that might make people work less hard, or have more trouble solving problems?

B. Vocabulary

1. motivation

2. functional fixedness

3. experiment

4. receptacle

5. incentives

6. extrinsic

7. intrinsic

8. motivator

9. touchy-feely

10. autonomy

C. Viewing

After you have answered these questions and taken a look at the vocabulary and looked up any unfamiliar words, have a look at Ruth Chang's video above. Take notes on interesting points, new words, and questions you may have as you watch.

D. Your Thoughts

1. Were you surprised by the case Dan Pink made in his talk? Why or why not?

2. What is the key takeaway point from this talk you would like to remember and apply?

3. Can you improve on this new model in any way? Are there incentives beyond autonomy, mastery, and purpose?

E. Vocabulary Review

1. _______________ motivators come from outside, while _______________ motivators come from within.

2. If something is too emotional and not rational enough, it might be called _______________.

3. To be in control of your own work, schedule, creativity etc. is to have _______________ in the workplace.

4. _______________ are benefits that are meant to make people more efficient and productive at what they do.

5. A place where things are put could be called a _______________.

F. Wrap-Up

I would love to hear your comments and questions about this TED talk. Did you find it as surprising as I did? Please feel free to post them below and enter the dialogue. Happy learning!

#business #motivation #creativity #work #psychology #economics #TED