Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

TED Talks reminds me a little of a book I read decades ago… Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess. As I read that book I kept thinking, yes, interesting idea – and another. When I finished, I thought ok good pointers but will it make any difference? Then I played someone who I had never won against in dozens of opportunities and I beat them. Bobby Fischer’s book was one of the first popular books I read that used programmed learning… stepping the reader through a series of painless exercises. I’ve also seen that technique also used in a book that teaches math by setting up the problems faced by Euclid, etc. and giving readers enough clues so they too can reach their own aha moments. While TED Talks doesn’t use programmed learning, it is very painless reading, packed with lots of good ideas. You may not come away and be able to deliver a TED Talk right away but you will come away with at least several new ideas on how to improve your ability to get your message across in group settings. Anyone who has seen several TED Talks knows there is no one way to deliver the talks but the book has plenty to say about what generally doesn’t work and what does. I’ll just hit on a few that struck me as helpful: • Don’t give a sales pitch. The speaker’s job is to give to the audience, not to take. • Sometimes it takes a little demolition before changing minds. Example: In ancient societies, a third of men died violent deaths. Modern media plays up violence because that’s what sells.We've changed. After crushing their stereotypes, now you can go onto your points. • Take your audience down your own path of discovery. By asking them to join the process, they get more involved. • Make sure your words and images work together. • Don’t leave a slide up once you are finished with it. Better to put up a blank screen to avoid distraction. • Transitions in Keynote should be kept simple. Cut when shifting to a new idea. Dissolve when slides are related. Dazzle distracts. • Most TED speakers memorize and then practice so much it sounds spontaneous. • Wrinkled clothes telegraph you don’t try. If you don't care, why should they? • Breathe deeply, take your power pose. Be sure to hydrate. • Keep your notes by your water. When you grab a drink, you can quickly glance at where you are. Notes can be there if you need them. Hopefully, you won't. I’m sure you’ll come up with your own list of tips from this very helpful book.