Review of
TED
Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking,
by Chris Anderson ISBN 9780544634497
Four out of five stars
It is common
knowledge that having to speak in front of others is one of the greatest fears
of many people. People that are otherwise confident are turned into a mass of
frayed nerves at the prospect of giving a speech to others. TED is an acronym
for “Technology, Entertainment, Design” but is really just a label of an
approach for delivering public talks and a non-profit organization having the
same name.
The book is
largely an intertwined combination of examples of success using the TED methods
as well as a commercial for the organization. The author is the head of TED, so
this is understandable.
The main point
of the TED method is the development of speeches that are roughly 18 minutes
long and consequently must stay on message. This is of course an essential
precondition for a successful speech. Other points concern appropriate attire,
the use of electronic presentations and notes, how to engage with the audience
and recovering from small gaffes. In these areas, great latitude is given to
the speaker as the author points out that in almost all cases it is the content
that counts. If you are keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, they
have less interest in engaging in critical analysis of the person delivering
the speech.
While this is a
book about public speaking, it is more about the ability to effectively
communicate. All fears notwithstanding, most people have to give presentations
to groups and success or failure can ride on their performance. This book
contains sound advice on tactics that all people can use to overcome this great
fear.
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