How to talk like a TED speaker
The 35-year-old ideas conference, which took place in Vancouver last month, has in many ways set the standard for public speaking in the professional world. But what specifically makes a TED talk work? TED speaker coach Briar Goldberg offered LinkedIn’s Isabelle Roughol a few key pointers.
- Your idea is everything: If you can’t sum up your talk in a single sentence, you need to go back to the drawing board. The bulk of your preparation should be devoted to developing and clarifying that single idea or message you want to convey, Goldberg suggests. The script and slides can come later.
- It’s all about the audience: You may be the one talking, but what you’re doing on stage should be all about giving something interesting and valuable to your listeners.
- Practice, practice, practice: Run through your talk out loud, ideally with a trusted colleague or friend, so you can gauge how the audience might react. Then do it again, and again.
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Since joining Toastmasters 3 years ago, my public speaking skills seem to be improving in leaps and bounds. There's nothing like receiving clear, pointed and honest feedback to apply in the next speech. Watching yourself on video is also a humbling and helpful experience. I have shared your great advice with my club members. Thanks!