The Idea Bomb: How to create a TED-style talk

Most people describe presentations as “boring.”

Yet, surprisingly, millions of people watch certain kinds of presentations purely because they enjoy them. They watch TED talks.

Why? Is it the format? Is it the information? Is it the accessibility?

TED and TEDx talks have become the gold standard for presentations. As a communications form they have everything: clear ideas, audience engagement and concrete plans to change the world.

Most of us might not be standing on a TED or TEDx stage anytime soon, but we can borrow from TED’s successful formulas in order to create the kind of presentations that audiences want to watch.

In this workshop, we’ll focus on structure, visuals and style, but, above all, we’ll talk about the core of a TED-style talk, the idea worth spreading.

Guerilla gardeners make “seed bombs” for spreading greenery in barren urban areas. A TED-style talk is the presentation equivalent; it’s an “idea bomb” to spread fertile ideas and let them grow.

Let’s work together to create idea explosions in every presentation.

Please come prepared with your idea or ideas.

Jonathan Talbott, a passionate idea spreader, is the head speakers’ coach at TEDxDelft, TEDxErasmusUniversity and TEDXYouth@ISH. TED and TEDx talks that he has coached have achieved more than one million online views.

He is also the owner of TIP (Talbott International Presentations), a communications consultancy for small and multinational companies, non-profits, and startups. TIP helps business speakers improve their results, increase their confidence and expand their reputations by refining the content, form and delivery of their presentations. Important presentations are part of a greater marketing message, and TIP integrates pitches and presentations into communications strategies.

Students: Have access to discount tickets ( don't forget to pull out your student ID at the event ).