Presenational Style Comparison

                Of the TED talks that I watched, there were many different types of presentational styles. Some styles were similar while others were different. The two talks that really stood out to me were “8 secrets of success” and “a story of mixed emoticons.”

                “8 secrets of success” is a very strategized and “powerpoint” type of presentation. I think the speaker does this because it is a very effective way to get his point across. His “point” is really similar in fashion to a lesson taught in school. He even says that originally he came up with the presentation for high school students.

The main aspect of the presentation is visuals. The visual is a strand of slides that each consists of the “secret,” a physical representation of the secret, and a quote from a person referencing the secret. The visuals are such a vital part to his presentation that literally the speaker stands in one place and continues to click from slide to slide on his keyboard. The visuals are very basic and consistent. I think this is perfect for how he is trying to present his topic. In reality, achieving success is not always as simple as following a couple rules, but through these slides, he makes it seem that way.

His tone in presenting the slides also has a large impact. As each slide progresses, he talks in a very simplistic, easy going, and happy tone. He sounds almost as if he is just happy to be there spreading the joy in how easy success can be. This tone is great for his topic because it makes it seem as if having success is as easy as “1, 2, 3.” He also throws in bits of humor throughout his presentation. This humor is effective in that in really lightens the mood, and again, makes his topic seem simple and achievable.

“A story of mixed emoticons” has a very different presentation style. The presentation is again visual heavy, but in a much different way. Compared to the “8 secrets” presentation, this one is much less direct. The presentation basically is about how words do not necessarily need to be used in order to communicate in modern times. Rather than “telling” this idea, though, the speaker shows it.

The visual he uses is a screen with a story on it written in emoticons. He then tells this story in a very poetic and storybook-like tone. The viewer does not know the true topic of the presentation until the very end, so this type of presentation style forces the audience to pay attention and become invested in what the speaker has to say. Also, people typically like a good story, so the audience wants to listen. Finally, his message is made apparent at the very end with the quote “I don’t need to write it down.” This ultimate line is almost relieving and uplifting because it give the audience closure and awareness of the idea at hand.

Both of these styles are very effective. Honestly, I do not prefer one or the other. I think they are both fitting for different types of topics. The second one, though, I do think is simply more interesting. I think that the factor of unknown about what the speaker is trying to present is very effective in forcing the audience to be interesting and invested in the presentation. I feel that the factor of surprise or relief in a presentation has a lot of power.