Teach Like TED

Every now and then I read a book that has nothing to do with education and I see the work in a way that the author probably never intended.

Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo is an examination of what makes some of the best TED talks successful. Gallo breaks down the public speaking secrets that can make a presentation great. Even if you never plan to give a TED talk, you can learn from his analysis, advice, and findings.

Teach Like TED

As I read this book, I thought, this could definitely apply to teaching. Perhaps we should try to teach like TED. Here’s how.

Keep It Short (<18 minutes)

TED talks are never any longer than 18 minutes, which seems to be the perfect length. After that, your audience will start to lose interest. And when your audience is a group of disengaged students in a class, this is even more true.

I try not to stand up at the front of the room and just talk. And whenever I do, I try my best to keep it to under twenty minutes.

Less Words on the Screen or Board

The best TED Talks also used very little text in the presentations. Apparently, it is difficult to read a lot of words on the screen and pay attention to the words that are being spoken. Instead, finding an image that compliments what you are saying is much more effective.

Once again, we can apply this technique to the classroom when we are talking at the front of the room.

Educator Books Outside of Education

It just goes to show that some of the best books that can inform your teaching are not found in the education section.

Has TED inspired your classroom practice?

If so, please leave a comment and share how. Thanks!

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