Talk Like TED

Starred review from December 23, 2013
Since Richard Saul Waxman started the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talks series in 1984, the presentations have become increasingly popular. TEDx events are now held in more than 130 countries, and videos of the talks are viewed 1.5 million times each day, on average. Communications guru Gallo (The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs) draws on the power of these talks to reveal the secrets of effective public speaking. After analyzing the top TED Talks and interviewing the most popular speakers, Gallo provides a step-by-step methodology for delivering presentations that is aimed at leaders of industry, as well as teachers and students. The result is a dynamic work focused on storytelling, filled with examples from TED Talks, including those given by notables like Bill Gates, and lesser-known speakers like civil rights attorney Bryan Stephenson, who gave the most downloaded TED Talk in history (âWe Need to Talk About an Injusticeâ). Each chapter contains photos and excerpts from TED Talks, as well as details about what makes each talk work and stories about Galloâs experiences coaching his clients. The book is sure to be a hit with anyone who wants to be more a successful communicator. Agent: Roger S. Williams, New England Publishing.

February 15, 2014
Communications coach Gallo (The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How To Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience, 2009, etc.) distills the public-speaking secrets of some of the world's top leaders and celebrities. The author, who has worked with executives from Intel, Cisco, Chevron and other corporations, analyzed more than 500 speeches posted on the online site of TED, which was launched in 2006. By the end of 2012, more than 1 billion users had logged in, and the speeches had been translated into nearly 100 languages. Gallo examines the speaking skills of political leaders (Colin Powell, Al Gore), shapers of the modern digital revolution (Bill Gates, Larry Ellison), and celebrities of the literary, sports and movie worlds. The author organizes his principles under three general headings: unleashing emotional power by using conversational storytelling techniques; employing novelty to surprise, shock, teach and amuse, enhanced by focused multisensory experiences; and keeping to the guidelines set out by TED. These guidelines include the necessity of speakers to keep their speeches under 18 minutes. Gallo draws from current research on how the brain processes information to show why that is "the ideal length of time for a presentation." Concision counters cognitive backlog, which impedes the assimilation of ideas. Gallo's practical orientation assists his selection of the methods and tactics the speakers employ, and the author holds himself to the same standards he recommends for others. Gallo brings the narrative to life with plenty of examples--e.g., a speech by Harvard neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor about growing up or Bill Gates' effective presentation of the reality of mosquito-borne disease. The author also includes successful outlines and guides to using both audio-visual aides and effective body language. Dramatic composition and vigorous presentation make this a powerful tool to improve mastery of speaking skills.

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Starred review from April 15, 2014
Delivering an effective presentation is a goal for everyone from students to CEOs. Communications coach Gallo ("The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs") uses his analysis of more than 500 TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment, Design; speeches given at a global set of conferences owned by the private nonprofit Sapling Foundation) to provide nine tips for great public speaking. The book is divided into three sections, with tips on delivering emotional, novel, and memorable speeches. TEDnotes summarize the main points in each chapter. Following his own advice to presenters, Gallo doesn't just give facts but also shares stories to make his points more significant to his audience, in this case the reader. In addition to his examination of successful TED presentations, Gallo also includes research from the fields of psychology and communications to explain why these methods work so well. VERDICT This book will resonate with readers who want to become skilled orators as well as with anyone seeking to understand what makes TED Talks so inspiring.--Elizabeth Nelson, UOP Lib., Des Plaines, IL

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2014
TED Talks have earned an enviable reputation for public speaking that likely only increases the jitters for most people called on to make presentations. But after analyzing 500 presentations, Gallo, author of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs (2009), identifies the common elements that make TED Talks so successful. He offers nine secrets, including mastering the art of storytelling, being passionate about the subject matter, speaking conversationally, using humor, delivering jaw-dropping moments, and keeping presentations to 18 minutes. Gallo divides the lessons into three parts, focusing on the emotional, novel, and memorable. Drawing on research by psychologists and communication experts, Gallo provides detailed analysis of TED Talks. The book is most fascinating, however, when Gallo recalls interviews with some of the most successful TED speakers, offering recollections of their processes in preparing for the talk. Gallo's references to particular TED speakers are sure to send readers to the TED website to check on the talks themselves. This is sound advice and encouragement for those who need to make presentations and an enjoyable resource for fans of TED Talks.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)