Rating: 4.5/5
10-Word Summary: This book thoroughly examines the speech strategies of phenomenal TED Talk speakers.
About the Book
This book is suitable for those who want to learn how to deliver short but memorable speeches or presentations like TED Talk speakers. Packaged from the first point of view of conveying information, we, as recipients of information, are taken to explore the intricacies of a speech. This book discusses in depth the content of the speech, the delivery of the speech, the design of the media used during the speech, and the precise steps for preparing a TED Talk.
In part one, this book describes the steps for compiling speech content, starting from choosing an idea to share (worth-spreading idea), organizing the speech script, integrating the story into the speech, creating a catchphrase, opening the speech that could make the audiences go “woah”, how to transition from one part to another, and how to end a speech.
In part two, the author explains how to give a TED-style presentation, starting from projecting emotions, enriching the use of language in presentations, inserting humor, mastering verbal delivery, managing non-verbal delivery (gestures and signs), and treating the presentation stage like a play stage that needs choreography.
In part three, matters regarding the design of the properties and media we will present will be discussed in detail. The author provides suggestions for how to sort props, design media, use a podium, and even arrange appropriate clothing for a fantastic presentation.
The fourth and final part provides clear and detailed information about the journey to a real TED Talk. This part can help readers who dream of spreading their ideas through TED.
What I Like
The Use of Beginner-Friendly Language
The language used is quite simple and easy to understand, as a layman and someone who is not confident enough to do public speaking, I can digest this book easily. I am very comfortable with how the author refers to himself as “I” and addresses the reader as “you”. The author's "friendliness" is not only shown in the language used. The author's story in the foreword about his journey from beginner to expert public speaker is also effective in attracting attention and connecting with the reader's values.
To-the-Point Part and Chapter Titles
The title of each part and chapter is very to the point—short, concise, and clear—so you can immediately imagine what the point of each part is. Suitable for people who like skimming or don't have time to read coherently, they can choose specific topics they want to read. Interestingly, the explanation will still come in even if you don't read it coherently because each part can basically stand on its own. From the perspective of someone who studies, I can say that this book facilitates self-directed learning well.
Smooth Writing Flow
You could say that the topic that was written in this book is sequential or procedural. Therefore, the delivery from one topic to another can be very fluid. The plot continues to connect from start to finish. Almost all chapters end with a paragraph bridging them with the next chapter. When I read it, it felt like I heard the author directly convey the ideas in his head, him sharing and telling stories with me as a reader.
An Interesting New Point of View
The author's findings regarding personas and types of speakers are something new in the public speaking world. The author shows excellent observation and analytical skills by describing the various speaker personas. He invites readers to “Let's talk! Come on, take action!". Because of the various personas he found, he was sure at least one would suit us. So it's impossible for someone to "not be able" to speak in public. Everyone has their uniqueness. Everyone has the potential to become a reliable public speaker.
Chunking the Right Material
Each part of this book has been broken down into smaller chapters. This makes it easier to understand each part. This method is suitable for people who have many priorities, which makes it difficult to focus on reading something for a long time.
Practical Tips and Tricks
Almost all the tips and tricks presented in this book can be applied. Why almost all, not all? I will explain the rest in the “What I Don't Like” section. Overall, readers can apply the tips and tricks in this book to everyday life and the profession. I like the part about content and delivery the most.
Experienced Writer in His Field
The author has direct experience regarding what he writes. Even though the author admits that his writing is not based on official research, the information presented in this book is still based on the author's evidence and observations, which are pretty astute, objective, and comprehensive.
What I Don’t Like
Target Audience Inconsistency
The title and synopsis of this book are aimed at people who want to improve their communication skills (business people, negotiators, influencers, marketing people) to become like TED Talk speakers. In short, such people want to be able to deliver good presentations to clients and stakeholders. That's what the beginning of this book shows. However, towards the end, from around part three to part four, this book seems to have an even narrower target audience: people who want to become TED Talk speakers.
Difference in Depth of Material for Each Chapter
I appreciate that this book has divided each part into five to seven chapters and from this number of chapters, the distribution is relatively even. However, when you read further, there is a gap in the depth of the material between the early chapters and the final chapters. This is quite a burden on the cognitive load of people who read sequentially from beginning to end.
There Are Opinions that Are Quite Dictating
The author has claimed that this book was written based on experience, not research or journals. However, it is a bit unfortunate because there are opinions that are quite dictating to the reader. I found this in part three, a discussion of design. The author clearly campaigns to avoid using certain properties or presentation media for speeches. This can be tolerated when the target audience is specific to people who will speak at the TED Talk. But returning to my comment about the inconsistency of the target audience, at the beginning this book was promoted to people who simply wanted to improve their presentation skills. Of course, opinions related to anti-property and anti-media will not relate to sales professions, entrepreneurs, or other professions that require negotiation and presentation skills.
Some Common Sense Information
Apart from new founding topics and perspectives, there is some information that is quite common. The information that, without needing to be conveyed by the author, readers should already understand it. For example, regarding how to dress properly on stage. If it is only mentioned that the aim is for the readers to recall memories or their known knowledge, I agree that this is needed. But unfortunately, this book presents how to dress in a separate chapter. It seems there's no need to go that far.
I think, overall, this book is worth it. Time will not be wasted after finishing reading it. People who want to improve their public speaking skills will feel the difference before and after reading this book. New perspectives are opening up in our heads. Readers will be invited to explore various awesome speakers with their characteristics.