Prepping to Give a TED Talk

Briar Goldberg, TEDs’ fantastic Speaker Coach, shares tips on how to write and speak in your authentic voice, how to avoid TED cliches, and how to think about storytelling. Also, some tried and true advice on how to light up the stage, make great eye contact, use your voice effectively and, of course, how to learn and rehearse a talk.

Briar’s favorite communication books:

The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking
By Chris Anderson
Chris is the head of TED and this book gives you a great insider's perspective on what makes a piece of communication go viral! Obviously, we love this one here at TED-HQ!

Romancing the Room
By James Wagstaffe
A delightful little read by the man who first coined the term “A.B.C.” James is a trial attorney, so he makes his living persuading tough audiences.

How Audiences Decide
By Richard O. Young
This is more of a reference guide to some of the most important communication research out there. Richard comes out with a new volume every 5 years or so -- this is literally my bible.

Investing Between the Lines
By L.J. Rittenhouse 
This might be a great book for those of you dealing with investors and having to communicate complex financial information on a regular basis.

The Media Training Bible
By Brad Phillips
This is a terrific resource if you find yourself talking to the media! Great tips - very tactical.

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