Listening to shame | Brené Brown | TED

Recent questions

• What is the impact of vulnerability on personal growth?

  Vulnerability is highlighted as essential for whole-hearted living, challenging the misconception that it equates to weakness. The speaker experienced a vulnerability hangover after giving a TEDxHouston Talk, leading to a period of isolation. Despite initial reservations, sharing personal vulnerabilities with a large audience led to speaking engagements and significant attention. Embracing vulnerability is portrayed as a path to growth and connection, emphasizing its importance in fostering personal development.

• How does shame differ from guilt?

  Shame is described as a focus on self, while guilt is a focus on behavior. The speaker acknowledged the importance of addressing shame, which is often overlooked but crucial for growth. Shame is linked to various negative outcomes and is portrayed as a web of unobtainable expectations for women and a fear of being perceived as weak for men. Understanding the distinction between shame and guilt is crucial in addressing and overcoming these negative emotions.

• Why is empathy considered the antidote to shame?

  Empathy is presented as the antidote to shame, with the power to counteract shame's growth by replacing secrecy, silence, and judgment with understanding and connection. The speaker emphasized the importance of daring greatly, facing shame, and embracing vulnerability as a path to growth and connection. By fostering empathy, individuals can create a supportive environment that encourages openness and understanding, ultimately combating the detrimental effects of shame.

• How does societal expectations influence experiences of shame?

  Gender plays a role in how shame is experienced and expressed, with societal expectations influencing women's experiences. Men expressed that vulnerability often leads to harsh judgment, even from the women in their lives, highlighting the challenges they face in opening up. The culture of shame in society is perpetuated by unattainable expectations for women and the fear of appearing weak for men, shaping individuals' experiences of shame based on societal norms.

• What topics did the speaker avoid in subsequent speaking engagements?

  The speaker received requests to speak on innovation, creativity, and change, avoiding the topics of vulnerability and shame. Despite the initial regret over sharing personal vulnerabilities with a large audience, the speaker's talk gained significant attention and led to speaking engagements. By steering clear of vulnerability and shame in subsequent engagements, the speaker focused on other areas while still acknowledging the importance of addressing shame for personal growth and connection.