Analyzing TED Talks
TED talks began in 1984 as a conference designed to bring together people from three worlds: technology, entertainment, and design. The talks were released online, and according to their website they have attracted a global audience in the millions.
Go to the TED Talk website and view at least two TED talks. Make sure to select speakers who use PowerPoint. Of the two, select the talk that you think is more effective (based upon our discussion of the speechmaking process) and answer the following questions. Your answers must be typed (single-spacing is fine) and may be numbered. Deductions will be taken for errors in grammar, spelling, or capitalization. Submit your paper in the designated drop box by _____.
1. Who is the speaker (name and title)? What is the title of the speech? What is the main purpose (inform, persuade, motivate)?
2. What are the speaker's central idea and main points?
3. Discuss the speaker's use of language. (Does speaker prepare the speech for the ear and use concrete words and vivid imagery? (Text-pgs. 133-136) Use an example from the speech to explain.
4. Was PowerPoint used effectively? Explain. (See guidelines listed below).
5. Critique the speaker's vocal and physical delivery.
BONUS: What public speaking tips have you taken from watching TED Talks, from your observations of our classroom speeches, and from what we've learned about the speechmaking process?