Talk Like TED summary

What do the most successful people in the world have in common?

Passion is the intense, positive feeling you get from pursuing activities that are deeply meaningful to you. Furthermore, pursuing something you are passionate about is essential to achieving success in that field.

Most people would agree that Steve Jobs was one of the world’s best public speakers. But what made his presentations so persuasive?

His talks were always brimming with pathos – as all successful, persuasive presentations are.

Have you ever listened to a talk where the speaker spoke so slowly that you found yourself drifting off to sleep?

Yet speaking faster is not necessarily the solution. The rate at which a speaker should talk depends on what you – the listener – are doing at the time.

Think back to the last time you were genuinely surprised. This “Wow! Really?” moment probably caused you to pay even closer attention to the source of this new information – whether it was a book, a TV program or a lecture.

If you want to capture the attention and imagination of your audience, you should weave novel and surprising information into your presentation.

What were you doing on September 11, 2001? What about September 11, 2002?

Without a doubt, your memory of the former date will be far more vivid. Extreme moments are unforgettable – and if such a moment happens during your presentation, chances are your audience will remember your talk, and spread the word to boot.

Think back to the last presentation you truly enjoyed. Was it at all funny?

Humor has a positive effect on our relations with others. Indeed, studies show that we attribute such desirable and positive traits as friendliness, intelligence and emotional stability to people who have a good sense of humor.

Ever noticed that after sitting through a long talk you feel exhausted and physically depleted? Your audience may face the same problem.

The solution? Keep your presentation short. This makes it far easier for audiences to remember the content.

Think about the last time you were sunbathing. How did your skin feel? What did you smell? What did your surroundings look and sound like? How well can you remember all the details?

We remember things more vividly when we experience them with all of our senses.