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.

66 people found this helpful

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.

45 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.

45 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

25 people found this helpful

Couldn't stand the narrator

The narrator is very annoying, couldn't listen to it. I am sorry....maybe it's just me:(

19 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!

18 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.

17 people found this helpful

almost perfect

I am a huge fan of Ted. The one thing I had hoped in a book like this that it would cover this subject thoroughly, with some historical perspective. I expected that it would acknowledge that the art of public speaking is 2000 years old it wasn't invented by the Ted people themselves. There is next to nothing mentioned about Aristotle or Cicero or Quintillion or some of the important work by recent communication theorists. is someone who is top public speaking for 30 years, I can tell you it's not all oratory shouted or intoned slowly to large crowds. there is a lively group of people and practitioners who have much to teach. that said, I do think there's a lot of value in this book. We do live in an age whete public speaking is becoming recognized once again is it important tool.

17 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.

15 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