My journey through the realms of public speaking has been an exhilarating voyage, forged in the diverse experiences from the disciplined Toastmasters meetings to the grand stages of professional speaking. A pivotal aspect of this journey has been the cultivation of a keen eye for evaluating speeches—a skill I firmly believe is crucial for anyone aspiring to captivate and inspire through their words.
Reflecting on this, I realise how TED and TEDx talks have served as a treasure trove for learning and refining public speaking prowess. Hence, in today’s post, I invite you to embark on a thoughtful exploration of evaluating these speeches, using them as a mirror to reflect upon and enhance your own speaking skills.
During my Toastmasters tenure, I was introduced to the balanced art of providing evaluations. This wasn't about showering unfounded praise or unleashing harsh criticism but about nurturing growth. With a simple sheet of paper, divided into two columns labelled "Commend" and "Recommend," I learned to identify the strengths to celebrate and the opportunities for enhancement in every speech.
I recommend you adopt this method when diving into the TED and TEDx universe. Select talks that pique your interest or resonate with your speaking niche and actively engage in the commend-recommend exercise. Notice how a speech captures your attention or where it loses its grip on you. These observations are invaluable; they reveal not only the techniques that can enchant an audience but also pinpoint areas where we, as speakers, can evolve.
Remember, the power of a speech often lies in its subtleties. When a particular habit or element distracts you, introspect to see if it mirrors a trait of your own speaking style. This self-reflection can unearth powerful insights, steering you toward a more impactful delivery.
Where to begin, you ask? A fantastic starting point is the TED Talks daily podcast, a window into the world of ideas worth spreading. Alternatively, you can search the TED Digital Library by topic here. But as you embark on this journey with me, I encourage you not just to listen and learn in solitude. Join a community eager to traverse the same path, a circle of aspiring speakers and thinkers committed to personal and collective growth.
This is where I extend an invitation to you—subscribe for regular updates and notifications from my blog. Together, let’s explore the art of crafting and delivering captivating, memorable keynote and TED-style speeches. Each post is designed to be a stepping stone in your journey of public speaking mastery, offering insights, strategies, and inspiration to elevate your speaking skills to new heights.
Let this be our collective mission: to not only find our voice but to refine it into a beacon that can guide, inspire, and illuminate. Whether you’re a seasoned orator or a budding speaker, there’s always a new horizon to explore in the art of public speaking.
Subscribe today, and let’s turn every speech into a symphony of ideas that resonates and endures. Together, we shall transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, one word at a time. And please do comment or ask questions. I will respond to every comment.
Till our next exchange, keep speaking, keep inspiring.
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