TED has become a household name in recent years, which is exciting for us presentation design geeks who love all things presentation. TED is certainly doing its part in furthering the presentation revolution, and for that we are thankful. Its motto is Ideas Worth Spreading, and all the talks given at the annual TED conference (which has spawned independently organized TEDx events, like the one being held in Nashville at the end of March) do exactly that: spread great ideas across the world.
While those who attend the annual TED conference have become increasingly elite over the past years– the cost of a year membership is $7,500– its popularity has recently exploded with us plebeians, too, who can access the best of the talks online at TED.com. And as TED has increased in popularity, so have the quality of the presentations. Some are better than others, but most offer a good example of how to give an effective presentation.
The organization actively encourages its presenters to give an excellent talk. Benjamin Wallace writes in his recent piece on TED in New York Magazine that the organization mails a stone tablet engraved with “The TED Commandments,” a list of 10 tips on presenting, to each of its presenters. Through the magic of the Internet, we were able to secure a list of the 10 commandments, and take away some presentation lessons from the powerhouse organization.
1. Thou Shalt Not Simply Trot Out thy Usual Shtick.
Avoid harping on the usual talking points. Give your audience something new and original to consider. If you’re giving an annual conference where you’ve said mostly the same thing year after year, mix it up and try something different. If you’re speaking on a well-worn topic, approach it from a different way this time. The more interesting and unique the talk, the larger the impression it will make on the audience.
2. Thou Shalt Dream a Great Dream, or Show Forth a Wondrous New Thing, Or Share Something Thou Hast Never Shared Before.
This harkens back to TED’s mission of spreading ideas. They want new, innovative, unique topics presented. They don’t want to be a forum for old ideas talked about in ordinary ways. Even if your presentation isn’t groundbreaking, try to approach the idea in an extraordinary way.
3. Thou Shalt Reveal thy Curiosity and Thy Passion.
Remember, to show your spirit when presenting. Be excited and passionate about your topic, and that energy will transfer to the audience. Also, the audience will be more receptive to your idea if you are visibly excited to share it with them. The best TED talks, and likewise the best presentations, are given by those who are enthusiastic about their material.
4. Thou Shalt Tell a Story.
Never should a presentation be delivered without a good story. People love stories. People live for stories. So include them in your presentation. They’ll hook the audience and offer a real-life example of the material you are presenting. Stories give content shape, body and nuance.
5. Thou Shalt Freely Comment on the Utterances of Other Speakers for the Sake of Blessed Connection and Exquisite Controversy.
Effective presentations promote conversation and debate. Don’t aim to be contrarian, but rather aim to create thoughtful discussion on the topic at hand. Encourage discussion in the question and answer part of your presentation. New, better ideas may emerge.
6. Thou Shalt Not Flaunt Thine Ego. Be Thou Vulnerable. Speak of thy Failure as well as thy Success.
Be humble and grateful for the opportunity to give this presentation. One of the easiest ways to lose an audience or fail to connect with them is to act above them, to appear conceited and proud. Stay unassuming and unpretentious.
7. Thou Shalt Not Sell from the Stage: Neither thy Company, thy Goods, thy Writings, nor thy Desperate need for Funding; Lest Thou be Cast Aside into Outer Darkness.
While this may be an unrealistic expectation for some presentations, another way of looking at it would be to avoid blatantly pitching a product. Give your sell a little cushion, nuance and character. Don’t get on stage and say: Buy this. Tell the audience why they should, how it will improve their lives, why it’s important.
8. Thou Shalt Remember all the while: Laughter is Good.
Be funny, even if you aren’t particularly funny. Be lighthearted and friendly. Don’t take yourself and your topic so seriously. Stay on your toes. Be witty and be fun. You’ll likely make a better impression from the beginning.
9. Thou Shalt Not Read thy Speech.
Practice, practice, and practice some more. Know your presentation like the back of your hand. Be prepared, because even something as small as holding a stack of flashcards is distracting to the audience. Go at it alone to make a stronger impression on your audience.
10. Thou Shalt Not Steal the Time of Them that Follow Thee.
TED has an 18-minute rule. They encourage speakers to keep their talk to 18 minutes or under because the average person has an attention span of– wait for it– 18 minutes. Use this information as a firm measurement for your talk. Keep your presentation short. The audience will remember more of it if you do.
