How to talk like TED

The 35-year-old ideas conference, which took place in Vancouver last month, has in many ways set the standard for public speaking in the professional world. But what specifically makes a TED talk work?

1. Your idea is everything: If you can’t sum up your talk in a single sentence, you need to go back to the drawing board. The bulk of your preparation should be devoted to developing and clarifying that single idea or message you want to convey. The script and slides can come later.
    
2. It’s all about the audience: You may be the one talking, but what you’re doing on stage should be all about giving something interesting and valuable to your listeners.
    
3. Practice, practice, practice: Run through your talk out loud, ideally with a trusted colleague or friend, so you can gauge how the audience might react. Then do it again, and again.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from an interview between Isabelle Roughol of LinkedIn and TED Speaker coach Briar Goldberg. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.