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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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TED Talks summary
The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking
16 mins
Brief summary
TED Talks by Chris Anderson provides insights and techniques to deliver powerful presentations, captivate audiences, and spread ideas effectively. It encourages speakers to focus on the message, connect with the audience, and create a memorable experience.
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TED Talks
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
Public speaking is a great way to spread your ideas; anyone can learn to do it.
Imagine you’re about to step onto a big stage to present an innovative project to a crowd of hundreds. This scenario probably sparks some anxiety in you.
How come?
Because we humans are social creatures, and when we speak in public, we put something very dear to us on the line – our reputation. We depend on one another for our survival and therefore invest a lot in being respected and supported. So, it makes sense that we are anxious about expressing our views publicly, risking being disliked, ridiculed or even worse, ignored.
But don’t worry, even if your fear of rejection vastly outweighs your self-confidence, you can still speak well in public and spread your story.
As an example, consider Monica Lewinsky. In 2015, she gave a TED Talk on the public shaming she suffered following her affair with former president Bill Clinton. Before the talk, she was extremely nervous. She knew that millions of people would hear her speech and was terrified that she would screw up, further damaging her reputation. But in the end, the audience gave her a standing ovation and an endless stream of glowing online reviews.
The moral is, don’t let your lack of confidence hold you back from giving public speaking a shot. Just remember, while there’s a lot at stake, it’s a great opportunity to get your ideas out into the world.
And the truth is, public speaking is a skill that anyone can learn. For example, in Kenya, a 12-year-old boy named Richard Turere invented a system to keep lions from killing his family’s cattle. He had realized that the predators were afraid of moving lights and created a network of lights that switched on and off in sequence, frightening the lions away. The tool became wildly popular and he was invited to give a TED talk.
At the time, Turere was shy, spoke very little broken English and had a difficult time describing his invention coherently. But even he, after just six months of training, was able to come to California and give an amazing speech, captivating the audience with his story and his charm.
So, say you do manage to summon up the courage to give a public speech. How can you give a convincing presentation?
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What is TED Talks about?
TED Talks (2016) is the definitive guide to delivering a killer public speech. These blinks cover everything from stage fright to choosing the perfect outfit and will prepare to give a talk that’ll inspire any audience.
TED Talks Review
TED Talks (2016) is a captivating exploration of the world of TED and the art of public speaking. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Full of insightful tips and tricks from renowned TED speakers, it provides practical guidance for delivering compelling presentations that captivate and inspire.
- With its dive into the power of storytelling and using emotions effectively, the book offers a fresh perspective on how to connect with an audience on a deeper level.
- Through compelling anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, Chris Anderson provides an inside look into the world of TED, making the book fascinating and informative.
Best quote from TED Talks
Your goal is not to be Winston Churchill or Nelson Mandela. Its to be you.
—Chris Anderson
Who should read TED Talks?
- Any entrepreneur who wants to share his project and ideas
- Lecturers and students working to improve their public speaking
- Anybody who feels that a fear of public speaking is holding them back
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TED Talks FAQs
What is the main message of TED Talks?
The main message of TED Talks is that ideas have the power to change the world.
How long does it take to read TED Talks?
The reading time for TED Talks varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is TED Talks a good book? Is it worth reading?
TED Talks is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on effective public speaking and communication skills.
Who is the author of TED Talks?
The author of TED Talks is Chris Anderson.
What to read after TED Talks?
If you're wondering what to read next after TED Talks, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
- The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie
- Speaker, Leader, Champion by Jeremy Donovan and Ryan Avery
- How Not to Worry by Paul McGee
- Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas
- Win Every Argument by Mehdi Hasan
- Steal the Show by Michael Port
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
- The Fine Art Of Small Talk by Debra Fine