TED Curator Chris Anderson’s TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking is both lofty and pragmatic. If your job/your idea requires any kind of evangelism, this book is your field guide. I loved it so much we’re spending the whole month on it here at poseyblog!
Part of what makes this book great is its scope. In addition to clear, vitally helpful content on how to create an idea and a narrative arc, build a connection with your audience, explain complex concepts and persuade, there are helpful chapters on stuff like how to make your slides and what to wear. Anderson also includes great advice on what to do with your body. My favorite part, though, is his call to action. Chris Anderson wants us all to become literate, successful presenters. Here’s my favorite line from Chapter 1: “Presentation literacy isn’t an optional extra for the few. It’s a core skill for the twenty-first century.”
He is most eloquent in his closing. I’ve excerpted my favorite lines:
“I wish to persuade you of something: That however much public speaking skills matter today, they’re going to matter even more in the future. I’ve become convinced that tomorrow, even more than today, learning to present your ideas live to other humans will prove to be an absolutely essential skill.”
“A deeper understanding of our own humanity comes not from listening to your parents or your friends, nor to psychologists, neuroscientists, historians, evolutionary biologists, anthropologists, or spiritual teachers. It comes from listening to all of them.”
“We’re entering an era where we all need to spend a lot more time learning from each other. Anyone who has a unique piece of work or a unique insight can productively participate. And that includes you.”
To put this in poseycorp language – your idea needs you to become a great communicator. How else can it change the world?
Your business must scale, and you must scale with it. You need to hire a great team, forge strong customer relationships and lead your market with a powerful point of view. You can do none of these things without exceptional communication skills. Click here to receive pragmatic communications advice in your inbox every month.
