Talk Like TED: 9 Secrets to Inspire Any Room

What do filmmaker J.J. Abrams, architect Frank Gehry, musician Bono, food writer Mark Bittman, diplomat Madeleine Albright, and actress Jane Fonda all have in common? Apart from being household names, they've each shared their stories at TED, the annual conference launched in 1984 as a place where Technology, Entertainment, and Design converge. 

Forty years later, TED has spawned the independently run TEDx events that help share ideas around the world. And thanks to the quality of its speakers, the invitation-only TED and TEDx events are consistent sellouts. So what is it about these speakers that give TED its rightful reputation as a place where game-changing ideas are launched?

The Communication Secret Behind TED's Most Influential Speakers

Author Carmine Gallo attempts to break it all down for us in his book, “Talk Like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds.” Gallo, a business communications coach and former broadcast media correspondent, believes "ideas are the currency of the twenty-first century" and that those people who are exceptionally good at presenting their ideas are elevated in stature and influence in today's society.

The book focuses on three overarching themes and offers several techniques used by some of the world’s greatest communicators.     

1. How Great Speakers Connect With Audiences

Use Passion to Make Your Message Unforgettable

Gallo's book talks at length about the value of passion as part of any good storytelling. But what one is passionate about isn't always obvious. Gallo shares the example of Aimee Mullins, a double amputee and world record holding Paralympic runner. Mullins' TED talk launched a conversation that changed the way society looks at people with disabilities. But Mullins "isn't passionate about prosthetics; she's passionate about unleashing human potential." Gallo shares scientific evidence that shows passion is contagious and that speakers "stand a greater chance of persuading and inspiring your listeners if you express an enthusiastic, passionate, and meaningful connection to your topic." Or in other words, "What makes your heart sing?"

Master the Art of Storytelling to Inspire Action

Gallo argues that the best speakers are the ones who "break down the wall with stories" because "stories plant ideas and emotions into a listener's brain." There are three simple, effective types of stories: personal stories, stories about others, and stories about brand success. Stories "illustrate, illuminate, and inspire."

Have a Conversation With Confidence and Ease

It may seem counter-intuitive, but Gallo believes "it takes practice to appear natural." He advises speakers to "practice relentlessly and internalize your content so that you can deliver the presentation as comfortably as having a conversation with a close friend." This includes: 

• Keeping a close eye on the four elements of verbal delivery: rate, volume, pitch and pauses
• Using gestures effectively
• Avoiding distracting body language like fidgeting or standing rigidly in place, hands in pockets

2. How to Teach Audiences Something New

Introduce New Ideas That Challenge Assumptions

The human brain loves novelty, Gallo says. "An unfamiliar, unusual, or unexpected element in a presentation intrigues the audience, jolts them out of their preconceived notions, and quickly gives them a new way of looking at the world."

Create a Moment Audiences Remember

When Bill Gates wanted to make a point at TED about the dangers of malaria, he brought along a jar of mosquitos. Gates said, "Malaria is, of course, transmitted by mosquitoes. I brought some here, just so you could experience this. We'll let these roam around the auditorium a little bit. There's no reason only poor people should have the experience." Jaw-dropping moments like these (even though, of course, the mosquitoes posed no malaria threat to the TED audience) can help to create an “emotionally charged event,” where a heightened state of emotion makes it more likely your audience will remember your message and act on it. Gates' presentation was nearly 20 minutes in length and the mosquito part took up less than five percent of his total speaking time. Yet, it’s what people remember the most. Every presentation needs one of these moments, says Gallo.

Use Humor to Disarm, Engage, and Humanize

Gallo advises speakers not to take themselves, or their topic, too seriously. Because the brain loves humor, speakers should give the audience something to smile about. This is because humor lowers defenses, making audiences more receptive to a message. You don't have to try to be Jerry Seinfeld on stage. But think back to "anecdotes, stories, observations, or insights that have made you or your colleagues smile in the past. If they worked there and are appropriate to your presentation, weave them into your narrative and practice telling it."

3. How to Make Your Message Stick

Follow the 18-Minute Rule to Improve Clarity and Impact

TED presentations must not exceed 18 minutes in length. That's because researchers have discovered that "cognitive backlog" — too much information — prevents the successful transmission of ideas. Gallo suggests speakers should keep in mind the "rule of three" and structure their presentation in three main sections or themes:

1. Create an X (formerly Twitter)-friendly headline
2. Support the headline with three key messages
3. Reinforce the three messages with stories, statistics, and examples

Gallo reminds us "constrained presentations require more creativity. In other words, what isn't there makes what is there even stronger."

Use Visuals and Multi-sensory Elements to Bring Ideas to Life

Or, put more simply, visualize content. Avoid the trap of word-heavy PowerPoint slides. Show more photos. Use interesting props that bring your stories to life.

Stay Authentic: Your Voice Is Your Greatest Advantage

Audiences can spot a phony a mile away. Gallo argues that TED speakers are adept at finding his or her own passion about the topic to make an authentic connection with their audience. Don't try to be anyone else — stay in your lane and stay true to your authentic self.

Talk Like TED

Whether you’re preparing for a TED-style talk or presenting to a small group of colleagues, effective speaking is all about preparation, confidence, and knowing your audience. At Tier One, we can help you turn insights into real opportunities, guiding you from concept to the stage so your message lands every time.

Learn more about how Tier One can help you secure your next speaking opportunity.