Let’s begin with a webinar or TED-style talk.

Preparation and Ad-libbing: While some TED type talks may appear simple or spontaneous, they involve extensive preparation. Speeches are written well in advance of filming, then memorized and practiced to perfection. However, great speakers also understand the importance of occasional ad-libbing and using their charisma to ensure their speech doesn’t sound like rote memorization. This blend of preparation and spontaneity helps maintain a natural and engaging delivery.

Professional Production: TED type talks are produced with top-quality lighting and filming equipment, followed by professional editing in post-production. This process provides multiple camera angles, adding visual interest and dramatic effect. The talks are shot more like movies than traditional conference presentations, making them entertaining and visually appealing to watch.

Visual Aids and Body Language: The best presenters utilize high-quality visuals, such as photos, videos, charts, and graphs, along with 3-dimensional props to tell their story in an easy-to-understand and entertaining way that captures the audience’s attention. Body language and hand gestures also play a crucial role. A recent study noted that the most popular speeches on the site had more hand gestures than some of the least popular videos. Since many people watch videos on mute, effective use of body language and visual aids becomes even more important for communication.

Why these talks work

1. Emotion and Passion: TED type speakers go beyond merely reciting facts. They know how to captivate their audience by speaking with emotional influence and passion about their topic. These presenters touch the hearts of their audience, using enthusiasm to inspire and motivate them towards positive action. This emotional connection makes their talks memorable and impactful.

2. Conciseness: All TED type talks are limited to less than 18 minutes. This time constraint prevents speakers from droning on too long and ensures that the information presented is easily absorbed and remembered. The short format also forces speakers to stay focused on their main topic, making their message clear and concise.

3. Accessibility: One of the most important factors in TED type talks' vast popularity is their accessibility. Originally, TED conferences were elite and expensive to attend. Now, the talks are available online for free, anytime, to anyone. This accessibility allows a global audience to benefit from the valuable information and inspiration shared in TED type talks, regardless of their budget.