Let’s face it: Not everyone is born with the personality and ability to be a great public speaker.
For some, it is nerve-wracking to stand in front of an audience to deliver a speech or a message. The image in itself can bring some out in a cold sweat or activate their flight response.
Unfortunately, speaking in front of a crowd may be inevitable. You have to present your academic
paper to a panel, or you’re required to make a speech at a friend’s
wedding. No matter what the circumstance is, it’s important to keep calm
and get your message across.
How do you learn to become a strong public speaker? Learn from TED Talks.
TED Talks Have Become a Standard
Since
its conception in 1984, TED (short for technology, entertainment, and
design) events have been held in many parts of the world. The
organization has invited a variety of notable guest speakers,
from sports legends to scientists, to discuss anything that relates to
the current theme of the conference. They have opened opportunities for
people to talk about anything they’re passionate about, as long as
they’re “ideas worth spreading.”
TED talks have become the benchmark for public speaking and presentation skills. It’s natural to watch one of the organization’s 18-minute videos and become engaged in what the speaker is saying, whether it’s the importance of body language or the power of introverts. Some TED Talk speakers are certainly better than others, but the best speakers carry an aura that inspires you to sit back and listen to what they have to say.
Learning How to Talk Like TED Speakers
With TED Talks becoming great examples of public speaking in action, how can you learn from them? Here are valuable tips you can pick up from engaging TED Talk speakers:
Plan Your Content
The delivery of your speech is important, but your message won’t come across if the content is unengaging. Spend time planning the contents of your speech. Come up with stories so that you’re more likely to connect with your audience.
Whether you’re passionate about the topic or it’s a
work or school requirement, do your research. Make sure you know what
you’re talking about. When you’re speaking to an audience who are not
experts about the topic, simplify your presentation so that it’s easy to
understand.
Practice Your Delivery
Practice regularly and internalize your content so you can deliver your speech as comfortably as having a conversation with a close friend. Learn to speak clearly and project your voice to keep everyone engaged during your speech.
Appeal to Emotion
One characteristic the
best TED Talk speakers have in common is their ability to communicate
emotion, whether it’s anger, excitement or joy. Work on channeling the
emotions relevant to your topic or the ones that suit your personality.
For example, Sir Ken Robinson, whose speech about how school kills creativity is the most viewed TED Talk of all time, used self-deprecating humor to talk about his field.
Keep it Short and Simple
TED presentations can be no longer than 18 minutes. According to TED curator Chris Anderson, that’s long enough to hold people’s attention. When practicing and revising your speech, keep everything within that timeframe so you can get your point across effectively.
The thought of public speaking seems terrifying at first, but it’s possible to face your fear and deliver a compelling message to your audience. With the right combination of content and delivery, and lots of practice, you can prove that your ideas are worth spreading, just like the speakers in TED Talks. When delivered effectively, your speech might even persuade the audience to act on your ideas.
