Nardagani, TEDx Sunvalley Talk
When Narda Pitkethly, CEO of Nardagani, walked onto the stage at TEDx Sun Valley in September 2017, she carried more than a speech in her hands—she carried a vision. A vision that literacy should not be a privilege reserved for the few, but a right accessible to everyone, no matter their background, struggles, or past failures with reading.
Her talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English,” has since been viewed more than 1.5 million times worldwide. In just 9.5 minutes, Narda shared her personal journey, the breakthrough that led to the creation of the Nardagani Reading Program, and her unwavering belief that literacy is freedom.
This article explores the story behind Narda’s TEDx talk—how it came to life, why it resonates so deeply, and how her message continues to inspire readers, parents, educators, and learners across the globe.
Why TEDx Matters
For those unfamiliar, TEDx events are independently organized under the TED banner, carrying the mission of sharing “ideas worth spreading.” For speakers, a TEDx stage is both an opportunity and a test. You’re given fewer than 20 minutes—sometimes less—to distill your life’s work into a clear, powerful message that connects with the world.
For Narda, her message was straightforward yet revolutionary: English is unnecessarily hard to learn, but there’s a way to make it easier, faster, and far less intimidating. And the story of how she discovered that way was deeply personal.
From Japan to Idaho: The Spark of Curiosity
Narda’s story began long before Sun Valley. While living in Japan, she experienced the challenge of learning a second language firsthand. She saw how difficult English was for learners abroad, but also noticed how many children in the United States struggled in similar ways with phonics, comprehension, and pronunciation.
The English language is famously irregular. Fourteen of its twenty-six letters make multiple sounds, silent letters appear everywhere, and rules often break themselves. For struggling readers, this creates endless confusion. Traditional phonics programs often add to the frustration with complex rules and endless memorization.
Narda began asking herself: What if there were a simpler way?
That question became the seed of what would eventually grow into the Nardagani Reading Program.
The Breakthrough: 12 Symbols that Change Everything
At the core of Nardagani are 12 simple symbols. These symbols sit under letters and guide pronunciation, giving readers immediate clarity about which sound to use.
No more guessing.
No more rules that break their own rules.
No more getting stuck on a word and feeling defeated.
Students start by learning a few symbols at a time. They practice with interactive lessons inside the Nardagani app, building familiarity and confidence. Almost immediately, they can begin decoding words that once felt impossible.
Within as little as eight hours of practice, many learners are reading sentences and short stories with fluency. Over time, as their confidence grows, the symbols are no longer needed—like training wheels on a bicycle, they fade away as readers begin to ride on their own.
This was the breakthrough Narda wanted to share with the world—and the heart of her TEDx talk.
Preparing for TEDx Sun Valley
Delivering a TEDx talk is not simply a matter of writing a speech. The process is rigorous, designed to ensure that every idea is delivered with clarity and impact.
Crafting the Script
Narda began with a draft that captured her personal journey, but refining it meant working with TEDx coaches who pushed her to cut, simplify, and sharpen every word. Every sentence had to matter. Every moment had to connect. Years of personal experience and research needed to fit into just 9.5 minutes.
Memorizing Without Notes
Unlike many presentations, TEDx talks allow no notes. For Narda, this meant committing her script entirely to memory. She practiced line by line, rehearsing while walking, cooking, even hiking—sometimes intentionally raising her heart rate to simulate the nerves she might feel on stage.
Practicing in Community
One of the advantages of the Sun Valley event was its community spirit. Many speakers were local, so they met regularly at the library to practice and give each other feedback. This sense of camaraderie gave Narda the encouragement she needed to face the spotlight.
The Big Day: A Talk That Changed Lives
When the moment finally arrived, Narda stood on stage and spoke from the heart. For 9.5 minutes, she shared her journey:
Her early years in Japan, where she saw how challenging English was for learners.
Her realization that children in the U.S. were struggling in the same way.
Her discovery of the 12-symbol system that could change everything.
It wasn’t just a presentation—it was a call to reimagine how we approach literacy.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Viewers connected not only to the innovation of the symbols but also to Narda’s authenticity. She wasn’t a distant academic; she was a mother, a teacher, a woman who cared deeply about giving others the gift of reading.
Reflections from Narda
When asked how it felt to know that more than 1.5 million people have now watched her TEDx talk, Narda’s response is filled with gratitude:
“I’m super excited that so many people have seen my TEDx talk! The more people that find it on YouTube, the more they’ll know about the Nardagani symbols. This system works like phonics for kids, but it’s also a terrific pronunciation program for anyone learning English. I truly believe it’s the best ESL solution in the U.S.”
For Narda, the success of the talk was never about views or recognition. It was about impact. Every click represented a parent, child, teacher, or learner discovering a new way to approach reading—one that didn’t end in frustration.
Why the Talk Resonates
So why does “A New Way to Learn to Read English” continue to resonate years later? The answer lies in its combination of innovation and story.
People connect with ideas, but they remember stories. And Narda’s story—of curiosity, persistence, and determination to make reading accessible—makes her message universal.
In a world where more than half of U.S. adults lack proficient literacy skills, the urgency of her talk has only grown. Literacy is tied to income, health, and freedom. By simplifying the path to reading, Nardagani addresses not just an educational challenge, but a social and economic one.
Literacy as Freedom
Narda’s TEDx talk underscores a truth we often forget: literacy is more than just an academic skill. It is freedom.
The freedom to apply for better jobs.
The freedom to manage health, finances, and responsibilities with confidence.
The freedom to fully participate in society.
The freedom to enjoy stories, knowledge, and lifelong learning.
Every child, every adult, every person deserves that freedom. And programs like Nardagani make it possible.
From TEDx Stage to the Nardagani App
Since her TEDx talk, the Nardagani program has evolved to reach more learners than ever before. The entire course is now available digitally inside the Nardagani app, making it simple and accessible for families and learners worldwide.
No books to order.
No printables to keep track of.
No confusing add-ons.
Just a clear, interactive, and proven system that helps struggling readers and ESL learners find their footing and begin reading with confidence.
Parents are using it to support children who have tried other methods without success. Adults are using it to finally overcome years of reading struggles. ESL learners are using it to improve pronunciation and comprehension. And educators are recommending it as a supportive supplement for students who need something different.
The TEDx stage gave Narda a platform. But the real impact is happening every day—when someone opens the app, tries the first lesson, and realizes: I can do this.
Conclusion: A Talk That Keeps Inspiring
Narda Pitkethly’s TEDx Sun Valley talk is more than a viral video—it is a movement. With over 1.5 million views and counting, her message continues to ripple outward, inspiring learners across the globe and reminding us all that literacy is not optional. It’s essential.
And now, with the Nardagani app, her vision has become accessible to anyone with the courage to take the first step.
If you haven’t yet, watch Narda’s TEDx talk: “A New Way to Learn to Read English.” It may change the way you think about reading—and it might just unlock the confidence you or someone you love has been waiting for.
👉 Download the app App Store Play Store. And discover a new way to learn to read.