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.

Narrating his comprehensive public-speaking lesson, former CNN newscaster Carmine Gallo too often drifts into his TV speaking style--a repetitive pattern of standard-sounding phrasing that makes his voice, at least, sound disengaged. But with this sort of speaking so ubiquitous in teleprompter broadcasting today, most listeners will quickly adapt, be moved by his earnest desire to be useful, and soak in the many good ideas he offers. The nine influential features of successful talks he describes were abstracted from speaking-impact research and his own analysis of successful TED talks over the years. Full of memorable stories and insights, these features come across as an almost stream-of-consciousness narrative that has emotional impact as well as offering some specific tips and tools. T.W. 2015 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Starred review from August 1, 2014

Here Gallo (The Apple Experience) dissects speeches of some of the numerous TED (technology, entertainment, design) presenters in order to identify the elements of a successful presentation. In addition to analysis of the speeches, the author interviews TED talkers and researchers in the fields of communications and psychology, eventually identifying nine concepts he considers essential for a successful public presentation. Each chapter provides one of the nine and details why Gallo believes it to be vital. VERDICT Capably narrated by the author, this an excellent choice for anyone called upon to give information before a group of people, particularly in business or education. ["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," read the starred review of the St. Martin's hc, LJ 4/15/14.]--Cheryl Youse, Moultrie, GA

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