Ideas worth spreading

Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent

1,765,714 views | Safwat Saleem • TED2016

Artist Safwat Saleem grew up with a stutter -- but as an independent animator, he decided to do his own voiceovers to give life to his characters. When YouTube commenters started mocking his Pakistani accent, it crushed him, and his voice began to leave his work. Hear how this TED Fellow reclaimed his voice and confidence in this charming, thoughtful talk.

Artist Safwat Saleem grew up with a stutter -- but as an independent animator, he decided to do his own voiceovers to give life to his characters. When YouTube commenters started mocking his Pakistani accent, it crushed him, and his voice began to leave his work. Hear how this TED Fellow reclaimed his voice and confidence in this charming, thoughtful talk.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Get a glimpse of Safwat Saleems's artwork, his wry sense of humor and his streaming subconscious by joining his mom and 50K+ other followers on Instagram.

About the speaker

Safwat Saleem

Artist, graphic designer, filmmaker

See speaker profile

Safwat Saleem uses satire and art to bring to light stories of adversity.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Get a glimpse of Safwat Saleems's artwork, his wry sense of humor and his streaming subconscious by joining his mom and 50K+ other followers on Instagram.