by Carmine Gallo (Get the Book)TED Talks have earned an enviable reputation for public speaking that likely only increases the jitters for most people called on to make presentations. But after analyzing 500 presentations, Gallo, author of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs (2009), identifies the common elements that make TED Talks so successful. He offers nine secrets, including mastering the art of storytelling, being passionate about the subject matter, speaking conversationally, using humor, delivering jaw-dropping moments, and keeping presentations to 18 minutes. Gallo divides the lessons into three parts, focusing on the emotional, novel, and memorable. Drawing on research by psychologists and communication experts, Gallo provides detailed analysis of TED Talks. The book is most fascinating, however, when Gallo recalls interviews with some of the most successful TED speakers, offering recollections of their processes in preparing for the talk. Gallo's references to particular TED speakers are sure to send readers to the TED website to check on the talks themselves. This is sound advice and encouragement for those who need to make presentations and an enjoyable resource for fans of TED Talks. --Booklist
