The Comparison of two TED talks

Richard St. John’s “8 Secrets of success” presentation is incredibly different compared to Damon Horowitz’s “Philosophy in Prison” presentation.  

Richard’s presentation style is too casual, to the point where it is distracting. He did not use a clicker to go from slide to slide, but used his computer which compelled him to look away from the audience and at his computer. This is where is loses his audience and where the presentation becomes annoying. He talks a little too fast and you can tell he is feeling rushed which takes away from his presentation. He also did not dress for the part. He is talking about success and so you would think the presenter would be wearing a suit or something but he is not. He is dressed casually, wearing his glasses and croakies around his neck. On the other hand, I liked his PowerPoint. I thought the pictures and quotes put together were excellent and simplified what he was trying to say. Richard St. John’s “8 secrets of success” presentation consisted of good content but was just presented poorly.

Damon Horowitz’s presentation style of “Philosophy in Prison,” was not casual but dramatic. It was as if he was doing a monologue.  Damon dives right into it. He grabs the audience’s attention by introducing Tony. Not only does he introduce Tony but he turns to the side and re-enacts Tony’s thoughts and the conversations the two of them have had. This is definitely more effective than if he was to just summarize and tell the audience these things himself, not acting as Tony. Damon talks fast however, it is not hard to follow. He also pauses and slows down his voice during certain instances for emphasis. His presentation is intense but flows well. Everything he does on stage is in coordination with the content of this presentation. For instance he says Tony’s “mind was free but his body was in prison” and while on stage when he turns to the side to act as Tony, he puts his hands in his pockets, symbolizing him being confined, but when he faces forward he takes his hands out of his pockets and moves them around as if they were free. Finally, Damon finishes strong with the statement “Let’s do this!” where you can hear the power in his voice and his arm and hand extend forward.

                I prefer Damon’s presentation style where he fully embraced what he was talking about rather than Richard’s style where it seemed rushed and he, the presenter did not seem as prepared.