TED Talks

A TED Talk It Is Not!

Any additional comments?

TED Talks are short, pointed and highly informative, this book is neither short or pointed. To be fair, it is informative. I expected a "how to" book and was disappointed not to find that. While the book contains a tremendous number of pointers, all completely accurate, relevant, and worth knowing, it doesn't provide these pointers in a succinct or easily managed way. The book is worthwhile and the author/narrator is passionate and knowledgeable. If one is able to identify within the book someone with a personality like their own they may land on the more correct formula to follow. But so much will require trial and error in live speaking opportunities. I stuck with the book more because I enjoy TED Talks than because of any enjoyment I received from the book. I can easily see the book being the basis of a class on public speaking - a class that I would have gladly taken when I was in college. But alas, sheer willpower and stubbornness are what brought me through to the end.

40 people found this helpful

One of the VERY Best!

Everything about this audiobook is outstanding. The narrator (who is the author) is an amazing example of what the essence of this book is about: compelling, interesting, significant public speaking–for TED, or any other venue. Anyone interesting in public speaking and in making this a better world will enjoy and benefit from hearing it. One of the best of some 700 audiobooks I have listened to. I was so impressed I bought the physical book as well.

59 people found this helpful

Half Public Speaking Tips - Half History of TED

There are some very good public speaking tips and insights to contemplate in this book. The majority of these tips are geared towards giving a TED style talk, but many are applicable towards any type of public speaking engagement. Even for someone who is comfortable with public speaking, or giving presentations, you'll pick up something from this book.

Interspersed throughout the book, the narrator does give somewhat of a history of TED, which is interesting if you are a fan of TED Talks. The history is usually interwoven or tied to some tip on public speaking, making the historical aside relevant to the chapter.

Those who have not seen many TED Talks before may find this book less engaging than those who are more familiar with TED. If you have watched hours of TED Talks there will be references to videos you have probably seen before, which may help reinforce the driving points the book is trying to make. The good news is if you want to watch a Talk mentioned in the book, most are readily available online, making this book a unique interactive show and tell style guide to public speaking.

9 people found this helpful

Excellent tools but loses momentum

The first half of the book was excellent because it provided tools, strategies and examples of how to develop a talk or presentation. The author then transitioned into using technology and finished with global implications of Internet video and compelling talks. I wouldn't recommend the last 2-3 chapters unless that interests you.

42 people found this helpful

Excellent!

This was an excellent book that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to pursue public speaking, whether it be a TEDtalk, conference presentation, or workshop. I feel much better prepared after listening to this audiobook and feel inspired to share my ideas with the world!

17 people found this helpful

Concise, to the point

I've read quite a few books about presenting and public speaking and this is one of the best

23 people found this helpful

All You'll Ever Need to Know

Would you be willing to try another book from Chris Anderson? Why or why not?

Chris Anderson has a delightful accent that makes his speech a delight to hear. That being said, I think I've heard enough from him to last a lifetime.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from TED Talks?

This is a comprehensive teaching in how to do a spoken presentation, particularly preparing the listener to do a TED Talk-- something like a college course, but without exams. I believe it covered every possible aspect, at least in terms of how we communicate in the first quarter of the 21st century. By the last chapters in the book, I was hoping it would be over soon, but there was too much valuable information included to stop listening.

I hope I absorbed enough of it to take with me and incorporate into rare public speaking opportunities. It did help me take a second & third look at an impending talk and make it better and nudged me into thinking that maybe even I could be good at this.

10 people found this helpful

Get ready for an exciting journey?

Chris does an awesome job getting you excited to share your passions, even if you don't want to actually give a talk. You will be excited to give it a go after reading even a bit of this book. Then Chris proceeds to tell you exactly how to go about writing, rehearsing, and giving the talk. And it's all done within an ongoing story throughout the book. Fun, fun stuff!

13 people found this helpful

THE best book on public speaking

Chris is an amazing, down-to-earth thinker and advisor.
This book is a great guide about public speaking, full of valuable advice, examples and do's and don'ts.
Worth listening to it even more than once. Solid five stars for content, and delivery.
In brief summary: "It's all about the idea" - not you :)
Accept this insight, prepare your talk, rehearse like crazy, and perform it with passion.

The conclusions at the end of the book are also worth savoring and contemplating. Congrats Chris!

2 people found this helpful

Best Guide on TED Talks

The author goes above and beyond in explaining how to give a presentation to a large audience. If you've seen any of the most popular TED Talks, you'll know that the presenters have spent months preparing for an 18-minute presentation and have contingencies for every imaginable obstacle they might encounter, like technical difficulties and lost presentation.

16 people found this helpful