I've never been good at apologizing, and this talk made me realize why. It's scary to admit when you're wrong, but it's necessary for growth. Time to swallow my pride and start saying sorry.
As a psychologist and marriage therapist, I am truly appreciative of this important message on how to apologize. It is a critical skill that so many are lacking and the ability to apologize is critical for healthy relationships. Great work Dr. Ballard!
This talk made me think about all the times I've been too caught up in my own world to consider how my actions affect others... Pretty uncomfortable things to reflect on tbh and I wish I could go back and just be a little more aware
As someone who struggles with empathy, I found this talk challenging in the best way possible. It's easy to get caught up in our own feelings, but true growth comes from considering others
This talk made me realize how much I've let my pride get in the way of apologizing. It's time to set aside my ego and start making things right. Thanks for the encouragement.
I really appreciate you touching on that key factor of empathy. I have two people in my life who struggle terribly with apology. One of them only apologized once in 13 years. But when they did, they were crumpled on the floor in pieces. Something between the empathy and the fear of not being “perfect” is a factor in them fighting so hard to ever accept accountability.
Truly an amazing talk Mr. Ballard. So well spoken and an approach to humility that is so often dismissed. Thank you for your clearness and overall talk on this really important message! It’s not about us!
This was remarkably inspiring. "I see you and I see your pain." Truly a humbling thought. Thanks for the great talk, Michael! I have at least three people who I need to authentically apologize to today after watching this.
I can think of so many people who need to hear this and apologize to me. I'm forwarding to them right now!! JK this is for everyone, especially me. And I love how well crafted and delivered this is put together. You're an inspiration Dr. Ballard
I've been on the receiving end of half-hearted apologies too many times to count. It's refreshing to hear someone break down what a real apology looks like.
Well said and clearly explained. Reasons why we resist apologizing are so true, and why becoming humble enough to admit we are wrong are key to becoming willing to see another persons point of view. Such good advice!
Such a great talk. As a pastor, I work with people all the time who are struggling with apologizing, empathy, and taking ownership. This is a great resource.
This was a compelling, convicting and encouraging talk! Dr. Ballard gives very simple, clear and attainable steps to apologizing. I'm grateful for this message!
"When we're prideful, we tend to say things like... 'I'm sorry, IF ...I'm sorry YOU ... I'm sorry IF my comments SEEMED inappropriate ... I'm sorry, YOU feel that way ..." Michael Ballard tells us: "Never apologize like this because you are not really apologizing at all." A true apology is about the other person and is not qualified in any way. Such great advice in this TED Talk. I hope we get to see more from Michael Ballard.
The dance of breath and movement is the dance of life! This talk is pure enlightenment. I felt my chakras aligning at 6:28. Ground yourself, release, and let your breath guide you to freedom. Namaste!
There are many resources about the difficulty of forgiveness, but I have not come across many about how hard it is to apologize. Dr. Ballard's unique perspective is an excellent reminder that our intentions should take a back seat to how our actions are perceived.
Empathy is strangely controversial in certain circles. It shouldn't be! It is, as you've said, what equips us for apologies that are on the only path to genuine healing and reconciliation.
Oh how quick we are to believe our own lies! This talk addresses our self indulgence and how to genuinely empathize and apologize. Humanity would be better off if we embraced the steps mentioned in this short and effective talk.
Excellent condensed reminder of how an authentic apology should be. Everyone should listen to your message as we tend to all forget the rules to a sincere apology.
I never realized what a real apology was until recently and this talk is a great, concise and profoundly relevant explanation of the power and importance of I’m sorry. Way to go!
This video sharpened my apology skills, but more importantly challenged my heart. To be more charitable and gracious, even when it causes me pain to do so. I want to have the character to be able to give these whole hearted apologies for all in my family and community, this video is helping me do that!
Loved this talk! Apologizing is something I have a hard time with. I tend to be a perfectionist, and I hate when I mess up something. I also am guilty of thinking about how things feel for me and not always the other people or parties involved. This was a great reminder and eye opening.
What a riveting talk! Thank you for helping us reframe those 2 meaningful words in a way that makes it not so scary to say them and actually MEAN them to the humans we love most. This is true thought leadership right here. Can't wait to see this message create a ripple effect.
So helpful to hear about this topic through the lens of perfectionism and trauma. And so practical to hear examples of true apology. Yes, words have power. This is one to listen to again and again!
Such a great message with practical advice about an act that is so simple but profoundly complex to all of us. Thank you Dr. Ballard for distilling the apology and helping others genuinely embrace it, hopefully sooner than Florence!
Great talk! The world would be a better place if more of us knew how to authentically apologize for our mistakes and our poor behavior. Empathy for the impact of our actions on others is important.
Mistakes happen, we are human. Owning the mistake and saying, “I’m sorry” is important. Owning the mistake, saying “I’m sorry” for the specific action, and applying empathy is growth! Thank you for sharing such a valuable message.
Resonated with me as a person not known for empathy- I started thinking of recent situations I needed to apply this action. Thank you! Yes, the world would be very different (let’s start one concentric circle at a time).
Eye-opening, actually eye-popping, revelations about the role apologizing plays for our soul’s health and vitality. It’s about THEM, not us! Empathy is that first step towards genuine forgiveness and relationship healing. Thank you, Dr. Ballard!! (This TED Talk pairs well with David Brooks “How to Know a Person”)
What great advice to put yourself in someone else's shoes, be humble, and use the words, "I'm sorry." Thank you for the incredible Ted talk and for helping us all to be better.
Often times we as people make very simple things in relationships unnecessarily complicated, especially when we let our egos and pride get in the way. This message cuts to the core of the true simplicity of an effective, meaningful apology. There are some great points made here that I plan to share with my students!
I've always been quick to apologize but this has made me realize that sometimes my apologies were more about me trying to make myself feel better than really understanding the other person. It's not something I've really thought about before
This is an outstanding message! Well-delivered, clear and useful for everyone! As a psychologist myself, I will be sharing this with my staff and clients! Let's all take the message to heart and change the world, one apology at a time!
This is so true. I know that it can be difficult to say "I'm sorry" in a meaningful way. It is so important to make sure others are first in most things that we do and that should include apologizing. What a great reminder on how to interact with others. Thank you Dr. Ballard.
Great stage presence, Michael! Very thoughtful outlook on apologies. I often find myself falling into the trap of making the apology about me, and have been working to recognize when I say something like "I'm sorry you felt that way," and change my mindset to one that truly takes into account the other person's feelings. The world needs more of your lessons, when's the next video?
I’ve known Michael for many years, even working together for a period of time. He’s a good man and a good counselor. Way to go Michael. Good info on a vital topic. As a counselor myself, I know the necessity and power of apologies. I’m glad you addressed this. Blessings on you.
Teaching an essential skill in a time when we all seem so quick to really think about how something affects us rather than understanding others in the world around us. Great talk!
Michael gives us three simple steps for making better apologies - this is an impactful message that we can all implement. I’m excited to put it into practice in my life!
Great talk! Apologizing is such an important skill to have in repairing the inevitable ruptures that we all experience in relationships. I speak with clients frequently about avoiding "I'm sorry but" when apologizing, and I appreciated Michael's addition of "I'm sorry you..." and "I'm sorry if..."
This is a wonderful and very actionable talk! In fact, I just met with a coworker I had a negative interaction with last week and practiced this approach successfully. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement!
As we head into the holidays with lots of family time I think this Ted Talk is very applicable. I especially liked the “own your stuff” comment. God bless you, Michael. May God use you in people’s lives to bring healing.
Worcestershire Sauce! Loved that line. You are a talented orator. I related with perfectionism tied with identity/self-worth being a barrier to admitting being wrong. Great points, thank you.
A great conversation starter to get at the heart of what apologizing is and isn’t and how we can take steps to actually apologize. It takes much humility and courage!
Great mix of humor and information about both apologizing and practicing empathy. Acknowledging our actions and being specific is an important part of making an amends for harmful behaviors. Well done Michael!
Thanks Michael!!! You're work with anger management has been so incredibly helpful to myself and all the client's I have worked with for a decade now. How exciting to see this contribution around forgiveness. A new media but just as helpful! Congrats and thanks!
Clear and insightful talk. In our current cultural moment such a practice, if done authentically encourage others to act with greater kindness, trust, and respect. Kudos to Michael!
I so appreciate your reminder on the three key items of an authentic apology. It means so much when we are specific in our apology of how we hurt someone. And what a great photo of your family’s shoes and what it might actually feel like to walk in someone else’s shoes. Great analogy for building empathy!
Excellent talk! Just what the doctor ordered! Not enough is being said about, empathy through correct apology, in or fast paced; me, me ,me culture. It is essential to human society but is vanishing from our public and personal discourse. Dr. Ballard provides a perfect pathway to the truly liberating world of human empathy. A humle, heartfelt apology. One that is about the concerns of your fellow human, is the best way to discover and develop a Love that is greater that yourself. Well done Sir!
Such great advice to focus on the other person rather than ourselves. What a beautiful world we'd have if people could put away their pride and humbly apologize.
I've never been good at apologizing, and this talk made me realize why. It's scary to admit when you're wrong, but it's necessary for growth. Time to swallow my pride and start saying sorry.
As a psychologist and marriage therapist, I am truly appreciative of this important message on how to apologize. It is a critical skill that so many are lacking and the ability to apologize is critical for healthy relationships. Great work Dr. Ballard!
Simple and effective steps to apologize. Practice empathy, take accountability, and say the words 'I'm sorry.' Noted for my next slip-up!
Apologising is easy for me. I get that as a human I misread situations and I take responsibility for my actions.
It's not just about saying sorry; it's about truly understanding the other person's pain. Powerful stuff.
This talk made me think about all the times I've been too caught up in my own world to consider how my actions affect others... Pretty uncomfortable things to reflect on tbh and I wish I could go back and just be a little more aware
I've always struggled with apologizing but it's because I hate feeling vulnerable.
It's so easy to justify our actions, but that doesn't make them right. Thanks for the reminder that a sincere apology can go a long way
As someone who struggles with empathy, I found this talk challenging in the best way possible. It's easy to get caught up in our own feelings, but true growth comes from considering others
Loved the idea that a sincere apology can have a ripple effect worldwide. Small actions, big impact.
Thanks for the new perspective that an apology is for the other person not for you.
it takes real strength to admit when you're wrong. appreciated the reminder that humility is key to healthy relationships
This talk made me realize how much I've let my pride get in the way of apologizing. It's time to set aside my ego and start making things right. Thanks for the encouragement.
I cannot handle confrontation, always been a thing for me. Watching this, I can see now why I have repeated some patterns. Great wisdom to share here!
It’s so hard for me to apologize
I want to be perfection and keep my pride.
I really appreciate you touching on that key factor of empathy. I have two people in my life who struggle terribly with apology. One of them only apologized once in 13 years. But when they did, they were crumpled on the floor in pieces. Something between the empathy and the fear of not being “perfect” is a factor in them fighting so hard to ever accept accountability.
As a TedX myself, speaker working with Michael was a pleasure. His talk was my favorite and a great way to end the event!
Wow I never thought about how perfectionism can hinder apologizing... now I'm questioning every apology I've ever made or received.
Truly an amazing talk Mr. Ballard. So well spoken and an approach to humility that is so often dismissed. Thank you for your clearness and overall talk on this really important message! It’s not about us!
This was remarkably inspiring. "I see you and I see your pain." Truly a humbling thought. Thanks for the great talk, Michael! I have at least three people who I need to authentically apologize to today after watching this.
I can think of so many people who need to hear this and apologize to me. I'm forwarding to them right now!! JK this is for everyone, especially me. And I love how well crafted and delivered this is put together. You're an inspiration Dr. Ballard
I've been on the receiving end of half-hearted apologies too many times to count. It's refreshing to hear someone break down what a real apology looks like.
What a great reminder on the essence of a sincere apology. I had never considered this perspective before. It’s about them. Not you.
Well said and clearly explained. Reasons why we resist apologizing are so true, and why becoming humble enough to admit we are wrong are key to becoming willing to see another persons point of view. Such good advice!
What a great reminder of the importance of an apology to promote healing and restored relationships! Well said!
Such a great talk. As a pastor, I work with people all the time who are struggling with apologizing, empathy, and taking ownership. This is a great resource.
This was a compelling, convicting and encouraging talk! Dr. Ballard gives very simple, clear and attainable steps to apologizing. I'm grateful for this message!
Saying I’m sorry is definitely missing from our culture today! Great talk!
Listened to it with my son and of course ended up applying the lessons learned within 24h! So helpful!
"When we're prideful, we tend to say things like...
'I'm sorry, IF ...I'm sorry YOU ... I'm sorry IF my comments SEEMED inappropriate ... I'm sorry, YOU feel that way ..."
Michael Ballard tells us: "Never apologize like this because you are not really apologizing at all."
A true apology is about the other person and is not qualified in any way.
Such great advice in this TED Talk.
I hope we get to see more from Michael Ballard.
I really loved this talk! Not only did you bring good humor to this conversation, but you also dropped a few gut checks! So good.
The dance of breath and movement is the dance of life! This talk is pure enlightenment. I felt my chakras aligning at 6:28. Ground yourself, release, and let your breath guide you to freedom. Namaste!
Before this, I hadn't thought of the components of good and bad apologies without the weight of their subjects getting in the way. Thank you
There are many resources about the difficulty of forgiveness, but I have not come across many about how hard it is to apologize. Dr. Ballard's unique perspective is an excellent reminder that our intentions should take a back seat to how our actions are perceived.
Empathy is strangely controversial in certain circles. It shouldn't be! It is, as you've said, what equips us for apologies that are on the only path to genuine healing and reconciliation.
Oh how quick we are to believe our own lies! This talk addresses our self indulgence and how to genuinely empathize and apologize. Humanity would be better off if we embraced the steps mentioned in this short and effective talk.
I appreciate such a kind and encouraging comment. Thank you!
Excellent condensed reminder of how an authentic apology should be. Everyone should listen to your message as we tend to all forget the rules to a sincere apology.
Excellent presentation, very well delivered. More of Dr. Ballard, please!
I never realized what a real apology was until recently and this talk is a great, concise and profoundly relevant explanation of the power and importance of I’m sorry. Way to go!
As someone who knows Mike personally and more importantly as someone who’s felt understood by Mike, this was really amazing.
This video sharpened my apology skills, but more importantly challenged my heart. To be more charitable and gracious, even when it causes me pain to do so. I want to have the character to be able to give these whole hearted apologies for all in my family and community, this video is helping me do that!
Loved this talk! Apologizing is something I have a hard time with. I tend to be a perfectionist, and I hate when I mess up something. I also am guilty of thinking about how things feel for me and not always the other people or parties involved. This was a great reminder and eye opening.
As we learned in Scouts, Own it, Fix it and Move on. Great talk on something that should be easy
Love this! I’m so bad about the “I’m sorry, but” that you mention and it’s helpful to understand WHY I do that sometimes! So well said!
What a riveting talk! Thank you for helping us reframe those 2 meaningful words in a way that makes it not so scary to say them and actually MEAN them to the humans we love most. This is true thought leadership right here. Can't wait to see this message create a ripple effect.
This talk made so much sense when I stopped and considered an apology from the other person's point of view.
I will come back to this video. So much packed into 13 minutes! And 13 minutes that will have a big impact on me and those I love.
Such great truth! Home Run of a Tedx Talk!
Very helpful! And, the three hardest things to say… 1. I’m sorry 2. I need help and 3. Worcestershire sauce. So true brother!
A far cry from what I was taught growing up. For so long I would work around an apology because I thought it meant I was weak if I admitted fault.
The recommendations are brilliant!! "The apology is about us." Don't think I will forget that quote and what it provoked within me!
I'm sorry I didn't get to see this live! What a fantastic reminder and very well done. You ROCK!
Thanks for such an encouraging reminder to say AND mean, I'm sorry
What a powerful message and convicting reminder!
I really appreciated the focus on empathy and that ann apology is about the other person, not you. Great speaker and teacher on the forgiveness!
So helpful to hear about this topic through the lens of perfectionism and trauma. And so practical to hear examples of true apology. Yes, words have power. This is one to listen to again and again!
Such a great message with practical advice about an act that is so simple but profoundly complex to all of us. Thank you Dr. Ballard for distilling the apology and helping others genuinely embrace it, hopefully sooner than Florence!
Great talk! The world would be a better place if more of us knew how to authentically apologize for our mistakes and our poor behavior. Empathy for the impact of our actions on others is important.
Great message. Apologies require so much vulnerability
sometimes.
Mistakes happen, we are human. Owning the mistake and saying, “I’m sorry” is important. Owning the mistake, saying “I’m sorry” for the specific action, and applying empathy is growth! Thank you for sharing such a valuable message.
Resonated with me as a person not known for empathy- I started thinking of recent situations I needed to apply this action. Thank you! Yes, the world would be very different (let’s start one concentric circle at a time).
Eye-opening, actually eye-popping, revelations about the role apologizing plays for our soul’s health and vitality. It’s about THEM, not us! Empathy is that first step towards genuine forgiveness and relationship healing. Thank you, Dr. Ballard!! (This TED Talk pairs well with David Brooks “How to Know a Person”)
What great advice to put yourself in someone else's shoes, be humble, and use the words, "I'm sorry." Thank you for the incredible Ted talk and for helping us all to be better.
This is a very great speech on a very important subject. Made me think of my failures in my efforts of apologizing.
Often times we as people make very simple things in relationships unnecessarily complicated, especially when we let our egos and pride get in the way. This message cuts to the core of the true simplicity of an effective, meaningful apology. There are some great points made here that I plan to share with my students!
I've always been quick to apologize but this has made me realize that sometimes my apologies were more about me trying to make myself feel better than really understanding the other person. It's not something I've really thought about before
This is an outstanding message! Well-delivered, clear and useful for everyone! As a psychologist myself, I will be sharing this with my staff and clients! Let's all take the message to heart and change the world, one apology at a time!
Amazing talk! This is something I needed to hear and will be incorporating into my daily life! Thank you, Dr. Ballard!
This is so true. I know that it can be difficult to say "I'm sorry" in a meaningful way. It is so important to make sure others are first in most things that we do and that should include apologizing. What a great reminder on how to interact with others. Thank you Dr. Ballard.
Well done Dr. Ballard! Excellent presentation and critical information! As a counselor, this will be a good resource for our clients.
Great stage presence, Michael!
Very thoughtful outlook on apologies. I often find myself falling into the trap of making the apology about me, and have been working to recognize when I say something like "I'm sorry you felt that way," and change my mindset to one that truly takes into account the other person's feelings.
The world needs more of your lessons, when's the next video?
It's not easy admitting when you're wrong, but it's necessary! Definitely been too stubborn in the past to own my shyt.
I’ve known Michael for many years, even working together for a period of time. He’s a good man and a good counselor. Way to go Michael. Good info on a vital topic. As a counselor myself, I know the necessity and power of apologies. I’m glad you addressed this. Blessings on you.
Wow! Great message on apologizing. It’s really not about me. Thanks for giving me another way to think about apologizing!
Teaching an essential skill in a time when we all seem so quick to really think about how something affects us rather than understanding others in the world around us. Great talk!
Thanks Michael - words do matter! I agree that it’s very difficult to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I’ll definitely try the three steps.
Michael gives us three simple steps for making better apologies - this is an impactful message that we can all implement. I’m excited to put it into practice in my life!
Great talk! Apologizing is such an important skill to have in repairing the inevitable ruptures that we all experience in relationships. I speak with clients frequently about avoiding "I'm sorry but" when apologizing, and I appreciated Michael's addition of "I'm sorry you..." and "I'm sorry if..."
This captures in a compelling and succinct way exactly what we all need to learn when it comes to making an honest and effective apology. Love it!
Inspiring, practical, light-hearted yet deeply compassionate message. Loved the emphasis on empathy and practical take-aways. Great job, Michael!
A simple but challenging skill for all humans!
This gave me a lot to think about Michael! Thank you for laying a simple approach to apologies.
Incredibly important message! Thank you!
This is a wonderful and very actionable talk! In fact, I just met with a coworker I had a negative interaction with last week and practiced this approach successfully. Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement!
As we head into the holidays with lots of family time I think this Ted Talk is very applicable. I especially liked the “own your stuff” comment. God bless you, Michael. May God use you in people’s lives to bring healing.
Worcestershire Sauce! Loved that line. You are a talented orator. I related with perfectionism tied with identity/self-worth being a barrier to admitting being wrong. Great points, thank you.
We have had Michael speak at our church. Fantastic thinker and communicator! We are thankful for your input on such a pertinent topic!
A great conversation starter to get at the heart of what apologizing is and isn’t and how we can take steps to actually apologize. It takes much humility and courage!
Great mix of humor and information about both apologizing and practicing empathy. Acknowledging our actions and being specific is an important part of making an amends for harmful behaviors. Well done Michael!
Thanks Michael!!! You're work with anger management has been so incredibly helpful to myself and all the client's I have worked with for a decade now. How exciting to see this contribution around forgiveness. A new media but just as helpful! Congrats and thanks!
Clear and insightful talk. In our current cultural moment such a practice, if done authentically encourage others to act with greater kindness, trust, and respect. Kudos to Michael!
Well done, Michael!
Fantastic ted talk! Thank you, Dr. Ballard for sharing so clearly and hopefully about the heart of apologizing.
I so appreciate your reminder on the three key items of an authentic apology. It means so much when we are specific in our apology of how we hurt someone. And what a great photo of your family’s shoes and what it might actually feel like to walk in someone else’s shoes. Great analogy for building empathy!
Deeply insightful and clearly communicated!
Thanks Michael. Clear. Compelling. And something we all need to take to heart!
So relevant and what a good reminder and insight that it’s really not about us!
Quick and to the point, but with a simple depth that will make sure it’s useful and not just forgotten.
Thanks! I hope the talk does prove useful to many people
Excellent talk! Just what the doctor ordered! Not enough is being said about, empathy through correct apology, in or fast paced; me, me ,me culture. It is essential to human society but is vanishing from our public and personal discourse. Dr. Ballard provides a perfect pathway to the truly liberating world of human empathy. A humle, heartfelt apology. One that is about the concerns of your fellow human, is the best way to discover and develop a Love that is greater that yourself. Well done Sir!
Such great advice to focus on the other person rather than ourselves. What a beautiful world we'd have if people could put away their pride and humbly apologize.