TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking

by Chris J. Anderson

Your number-one mission as a speaker is to take something that matters deeply to you and to rebuild it inside the minds of your listeners.

The only thing that truly matters in public speaking is not confidence, stage presence, or smooth talking. It’s having something worth saying.

when the audience knows where you’re headed, it’s much easier for them to follow.

To say something interesting you have to take the time to do at least two things: Show why it matters . . . what’s the question you’re trying to answer, the problem you’re trying to solve, the experience you’re trying to share? Flesh out each point you make with real examples, stories, facts.

“Great writing is all about the power of the deleted word.”

A. Introduction—getting settled, what will be covered B. Context—why this issue matters C. Main Concepts D. Practical Implications E. Conclusion

The five stages of a speech

When people think a talk sounds rehearsed, the problem is not too much rehearsal, it’s too little rehearsal. The speaker is stuck in the Uncanny Valley.

Starting strong is one of your most important weapons.

if the ending isn’t memorable, the talk itself may not be.