I am gradually becoming a fan of TED. TED is all about “ideas worth spreading” to use their own tagline.
Free videos and talks, from people at the top of their game, talking you through topics, many of which you probably never heard of. I know I hadn’t.
Why though? Why watch this? The old WIIFM question (what’s in it for me).
The range of topics is quite breathtaking for one. And no matter how good we think we are, we can always learn from others. Particularly when those people are experts and engaging too.
For me, there are several reasons.
First up, I don’t feel comfortable presenting. I get nervous as everyone does, but over time I have improved. And I know that when I am presenting something I am passionate about, I can draw people in and carry them with me. Usually with the aid of an ad-hoc diagram or two. So watching the body language of these people, and learning from them, is good.
Really though, that is a secondary benefit. It’s the content that I find really interesting. Take this video from Seth Godin. I challenge you to watch all 18 minutes and not come away feeling upbeat and thinking of ways that you can “be remarkable”.
Challenge met – great video and with humor, which adds so much more to the ability to listen to a presentation! Thanks for the suggestion and for the blog like!
I’m a great fan of TED talks (I’ve embedded a few in Madhatters). They cover such a range of subjects, both serious and amusing, and, like you, I’m always impressed with the easy confidence of the presenters. This ‘light-hearted’ talk on the correct way to dry your hands using paper towels is one of my favourites – http://on.ted.com/JoeSmith