Why TED Talks are great models for public speakers
I love listening and watching speakers to TED events.
TED is a conference where speakers talk about ideas they believe are important. I send potential speakers to TED often to look at speakers and their presentations because they are so polished. Not only their delivery, but their Powerpoint slides.
For the most part, they are not public speakers. But they come off so well when they speak.
I thought about why and came up with four reasons:
1. They are very well prepared
Each speaker at TED receives copies of: Nancy Duarte’s book, slide:ology: The Art and Science to Great Presentations, according to Duarte’s blog.
She also recommended Reynolds’ Presentation Zen (and so do I).
Most of the presentations had a clear message and the visuals amplified the talk instead of detracting from it. Graphics have been simplified and the presenters are well rehearsed.
2. They have something to say
I believe everyone has an opinion or knows how to do something interesting. People always tell me that they don’t. But most times, they are selling themselves short.
3. Apprehension
You can call this stress or nerves. But speaking TED is a great honor. I really wanted to speak at my local TEDx but most of the speakers were already determined before I could apply. That honor means that you had better prepare. You can tell that most people who speak do take it seriously and work their tails off before the speech day.
4. Time limits
Organizers will cut you off at 18 minutes so you have to say what you need to say pretty quickly. You have to organize your thoughts, tell the audience what you want to tell them, and get off the stage.
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