2. “This is what we want out of our senses; we want beauty, we
don’t just want function.”
-Charles Limb
3. INTRODUCTION
When Charles starts his speech, he makes the case that we
don’t usually think about the reasons our senses have evolved as
they have. This forces the audience to subconsciously ask
themselves “why?”
In the first 30 seconds of his presentation, Limb has engaged the
audience by making them an active part of the introduction.
When they cannot answer their own question, it puts all focus
onto him, as he hooks them in and explains his answer.
4. COMPARISON
Sir Ken Robinson Charles Limb
- Audience laughs almost continuously - Audience is engaged and inspired by
through the presentation his passion, laughs very few times
- Eyes always looking into the crowd - Looks down at the teleprompter,
slightly nervous
- Personal stories
- Passion
- Intelligence
- Empathy
6. ROBINSON
Sir Ken Robinson was a perfect combination of energetic and
relaxed. One hand in his pocket, the other making emphatic
gestures.
Throughout the presentation, the audience was shining-eyed
and smiling, and the fact that they laughed when Robinson
supplied an anecdote is proof of their engagement.
7. LIMB
Charles Limb was able to achieve a different kind of attention.
Being a surgeon, there is a connection he has with all of his
patients that gives him a sense of empathy. He uses this in his
speech to capture the audience, and give them a feeling of and
hope.
While he didn’t receive much uproarious laughter, he didn’t
really try to get any. His go warmth al was to inspire and give
hope, and he did just that.
8. DYNAMISM
One a scale of 1-5, I would give Limb a 4 for dynamism.
He was engaging, passionate, intelligent, kind, humorous, he
smiled quite often, and he connected with the audience through
personal stories and anecdotes.
The only thing that prevented him from getting a 5 was his lack
of eye-contact, and his level of energy. He was very calm, but a
little too relaxed. He was quiet, and seemed slightly nervous.
9. I have to admit that during Robinson’s talk my eyes were always
on him, but for Limb’s presentation I found myself listening
intently, but I would also visit Facebook or other social
networking sites now and then.
Looking at delivery, I would have to gather that the speaker’s
energy and confidence plays a huge part in keeping all attention
on them.
Confidence keeps people engaged because it shows that you
have control.
10. TIPS
Based on Limb’s presentation, my best advice would be to work
on eye-contact and having the right balance of energy,
confidence, and relaxation.
Keeping in mind that most TED presenters are talking about
their passion, it should be assumed that having expert
knowledge on a topic would allow confidence and relaxation to
come naturally. Applying this to uninteresting and lesser-known
material may be somewhat difficult, so build off of what little
you may know already.
