What would a perfect TED Talk speech look like if you cross-referenced the most commented, most emailed and best rated with the words, props and style?
This is the subject of a TED Active speech by Dr. Sebastian Wernicke entitled “Lies, Damned Lies & Videos” (on YouTube) which is delivered entirely tongue in cheek. Ironically, much of the content is, in my opinion, absolutely spot on — no laughing matter. Here are the key conclusions:
The Best Words which should be used in a speech (the ones which resonate with me, I highlight in green): You, Happiness, Brain, French (!?), Coffee, Mirror, Choice. Speak about the audience. Bring uplifting discourse. Reflect on society. Encourage freedom of selection. I still can’t figure out how French Coffee got their way in there; Culture and Energy?
![Be Positive](https://www.minterdial.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/03/TED-Talks-top-10-words-300x160.png)
In terms of phrases, give without expecting in return! I’ll give you and you don’t have to [give back]
![Give! Provide a service to the audience](https://www.minterdial.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Picture-3-300x163.png)
For best topics, emotional, softer issues (broadly associated with the right brain) win hands down. The words that resonate for me: Happiness, People, Ethics & Emotions. Avoid Weather, War and Time (this last one is perhaps because it scares us all?). Sadly, plants, animals and men should be avoided too.
![Topics that please](https://www.minterdial.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/03/TED-Talks-topics-300x161.png)
Colour is important. The colour use you wear on stage have a correlation with the result (albeit I can’t vouch if it is even remotely statistically relevant). What I notice is the paucity of red, orange and yellow (bright & warm) colours. Unfortunately, the colours that show up in “awful” also show up in the other categories. So, while this analysis is inconclusive and probably unverifiable, what I do believe is that colour tones do matter. Probably safe to wear some tones of blue, providing it matches overall!
![Importance of colour for setting the mood](https://www.minterdial.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Picture-4-300x161.png)
In the realm of letting the computer do the talking, you can create your own TED Talk via Dr Wernicke’s site: Get TedPAD. It’s a cute gimmick. But, no matter, you can’t say that Dr Wernicke didn’t give us something during his 6 1/2 minute speech. In any event, as he also said, if you want to be funny, keep it short.
Does it work for all cultures?
(By the way I thought that some parts of the USA were anti-French?)
A French kiss, a French letter, French fry and the French touch evidently go a long way even in the States! 🙂