What-I'm-Reading-Wednesday: Talk Like TED; the 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds by Carmine Gallo

       In 1984 a conference was held that would launch a movement; TED.  TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design.  TED is a nonprofit foundation that sparked TED talks. These downloadable free speeches (www.ted.com) are given by the top leaders, scientists and artists covering a large and interesting range of topics.  The speeches are required to be under 18 minutes and to easily convey an understanding of complex topics.  The talks can range from the  status of the world's food supply to how to teach kids to love science.
       Carmine Gallo has studied the techniques of the most popular TED speakers to find out what makes a speech great.  He has compiled these learned skills into 9 rules that all public speakers can use to make their speeches successful, dynamic and fun.  This easily read and quick paced book (much like a TED talk) teaches people, who may have struggled with public speaking, easy techniques to rapidly improve their skills.
       Gallo's book, Talk Like TED, is also full of personal stories and humorous anecdotes from the TED speakers. The reader will learn that James Cameron, a diver since age 15, wanted to film the movie Titanic because it was a way to fund a deep sea dive to see the actual wreckage of the ship.  The reader will learn from artists like photographer Chris Jordan who used art at his TED talk to convey the increasing rates for cosmetic surgery on girls under age 18.  The book, while teaching the public speaking skills, also inspires the reader to be curious and invested in our world, from the global level to the small families we create.      
        If you are interested in checking out this great book for yourself, you can request this volume from the Ort Library catalog here: Talk Like TED  Click on "Availability", then click on the yellow "Request" button, and login using your last name and 14-digit Library barcode number on your ID. If you need assistance, please contact the Circulation Desk at 301-687-4395. We hope to see you soon!