Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B2-C1

TED's secret to great public speaking | Chris Anderson | TED

TED

3.5M views 10 years ago

Warm-up Questions

What do you think “TED’s secret” to great public speaking might be?
When you listen to a great talk, what makes you remember it afterward?
Do you prefer talks that tell personal stories, or talks that teach one clear idea? Why?

Up Next

The benefits of doing nothing ⏲️ 6 Minute English BBC Learning English
IPPE: U.S. Soy consistency drives poultry performance and profitability Global Ag Media
Adjective Song | Let's Sing About Adjectives | Fun Learning Song For Kids Teacher Laiza
How not to take things personally? | Frederik Imbo | TEDxMechelen TEDx Talks
Discover Ballet: A day in the life of a ballerina Royal Ballet and Opera

Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

…

TED's secret to great public speaking | Chris Anderson | TED

Myth about a TED formula + what all great talks share (00:00 – 01:40)

Transcript will load here…

1. What does the speaker say happens if you overuse common TED-style “devices” (like childhood stories and personal secrets)?

You will sound original and authentic.
You will come across as clichéd or emotionally manipulative.
You will automatically get a standing ovation.
You will make the audience laugh more.

2. What does the speaker say he has had over the past 12 years?

A role writing TED Talk scripts for everyone
A career as a scientist studying brain waves
A job as a stand-up comedian
A ringside seat listening to hundreds of TED speakers

3. According to the speaker, what is the speaker’s number one task?

To entertain the audience with jokes
To transfer an idea into the listeners’ minds
To speak as fast as possible to fit more content
To use a red rug and end with a call to action

TED's secret to great public speaking | Chris Anderson | TED

What an idea is + why ideas matter (worldviews) (01:40 – 04:52)

Transcript will load here…

1. How does the speaker define an “idea” in this talk?

A feeling that changes quickly
A pattern of information that helps you understand and navigate the world
A speech technique used to persuade people
A scientific fact that can never be challenged

2. What point does the speaker make using kittens and leopards?

Animals are the best topic for TED Talks.
Everyone reacts the same way to wild animals.
Fear is stronger than love in all situations.
Different ideas in your worldview lead to different reactions.

3. Why do ideas “really matter,” according to the speaker?

They are mostly useful for making money.
They can change how someone thinks about the world and shape their actions.
They mainly help speakers become famous.
They are only important in school settings.

TED's secret to great public speaking | Chris Anderson | TED

Four guidelines for building an idea in the audience’s mind (04:52 – 07:57)

Transcript will load here…

1. What is the first guideline for a great talk?

Use lots of slides and data
Limit your talk to just one major idea
Start with a personal secret
Avoid giving any context

2. What does the speaker say is the main tool to get the audience’s “permission” to welcome you in?

Fear
A loud voice
Curiosity
Complex vocabulary

3. What is the final tip about making your idea “worth sharing”?

Ask honestly who the idea benefits, and focus on benefiting others.
Make sure it mainly benefits you or your organization.
Make it as controversial as possible.
Hide your real purpose so the audience won’t notice.

TED's secret to great public speaking | Chris Anderson | TED

Transcript will load here…

1. What is the central message of the talk?

Great talks succeed by building and transferring a clear idea to the audience.
There is a fixed TED Talk formula that always works.
The best talks are the ones with the most scientific facts.
Public speaking is mostly about emotional stories.

2. How does the speaker suggest you explain complex concepts to a general audience?

Avoid examples to keep the talk short.
Build the idea piece by piece using concepts the audience already understands, often with metaphors.
Use your own specialist terms so you sound credible.
Focus mainly on your biography and background.

3. Which option best describes why the audience must have a “reason to care”?

Because time limits make curiosity unnecessary.
Because the audience will only learn if they feel curious and want to bridge a gap in understanding.
Because audiences dislike any kind of questions.
Because it is better to start with a joke than with a question.

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

TED's secret to great public speaking | Chris Anderson | TED

Do you agree that a speaker’s main job is to “transfer” an idea into the audience’s mind? Why or why not?
Think of a talk you remember well. What was the single “through line” idea?
What are some ways to create curiosity without being “emotionally manipulative”?
Choose a complex topic you know. What metaphor could you use to explain it to someone with no background?