Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds

Fantastic book !!

I recently read Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo, and I found it to be an insightful and practical guide for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills. The book breaks down the secrets behind the most successful TED Talks and provides actionable strategies to help make any presentation more engaging, persuasive, and memorable

Carmine Gallo’s Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds attempts to bottle the lightning of TED Talks—those often-viral, always-polished presentations that dominate YouTube and inspire everything from boardroom pitches to graduation speeches. If you have ever watched a TED Talk and thought, “How do they make this look so easy?”, Gallo is here to assure you that there is, in fact, a formula—and he is more than happy to break it down for you, PowerPoint slide by PowerPoint slide. Structured around nine “secrets,” Gallo’s book reads like a motivational workshop with a highlighter fetish. Among the principles he champions are passion, storytelling, novelty, humor, and the Rule of Three. These are not necessarily groundbreaking revelations in the field of communication, but what Gallo offers is clarity and a buffet of real-world examples. He pulls from talks given by figures like Sir Ken Robinson, Brené Brown, and Jill Bolte Taylor to show how charisma and clarity can elevate a presentation into something unforgettable. The book’s biggest strength lies in its accessibility. You do not need a communications degree or years of stage experience to benefit from its strategies. Gallo’s prose is clear, enthusiastic, and digestible—ideal for nervous speakers, overzealous entrepreneurs, or corporate types who need to replace their third “synergy” slide with a human story. It is a book that believes anyone can be engaging if they learn to tap into their passion and connect with an audience on an emotional level. That said, Talk Like TED has its limits. It sometimes veers into TED-worship territory, where everything that glitters on that red carpet stage is treated as gospel. Not all TED Talks are great, and not all public speaking situations should mimic their format. Additionally, the book leans heavily on anecdotal inspiration over hard science, so those looking for a more research-driven or rhetorical approach may find the material a little fluffy at times. It is motivational frosting with a light educational filling. Still, for what it is—a primer on engaging public speaking—it delivers. It is the kind of book that will boost your confidence, sharpen your storytelling instincts, and help you strip away jargon in favor of something more authentic and human. And in a world full of Zoom fatigue and endless slide decks, that alone makes it worth the read. Final Verdict: Talk Like TED is not revolutionary, but it is a lively, approachable guide to better communication. Whether you are pitching a product, giving a keynote, or simply trying to be less boring at your next staff meeting, Gallo’s advice can help. Just do not expect it to make you the next TED superstar overnight—you still have to do the talking.

Gallo's in-depth analysis of the best speakers of our time is a superb resource sure to up your public speaking game. Last fall I drew heavily on it while preparing and delivering a Veterans Day presentation for two local middle schools. "Tell stories" and "use emotionally potent examples" served as my guiding principles, and they made everything easier to remember, more fun to deliver, and more pleasurable for the audience to receive. This isn't a basic how-to for novice speakers, but it doesn't claim to be. For comprehensive coverage of the nuts and bolts basics, consider Carnegie's timeless classic, The Art of Public Speaking (its copyright is expired, and so can be found online for free), or for more concise coverage of the same, consider my The Best Public Speaking Book: How to Conquer Nervousness, Polish Your Authentic Stage Self, Develop & Deliver Dynamite Presentations . (When I revise The Best Public Speaking Book, Gallo will be cited for sure!) Thanks for the excellent book, Gallo! You and Brian Tracy have helped take my public speaking game to the next level, and Talk Like Ted is a resource I anticipate revisiting many times.

I've read Mr. Gallo's work before, The presentation secrets of Steve Jobs. I used to say I rarely read the same author twice, but then a number of years ago I started focusing significant energy on public speaking, read what I could find, wrote a self-published book, spoke everywhere I could, etc. All of a sudden I was faced with magnificent authors like Nancy Duarte and Garr Reynolds who have written multiple books anyone in public speaking or desiring to be should have on their shelf. I am also a TEDster, so go to ted.com at least everyday and watch whatever I can. Speaking at TED is also on my bucket list (if I actually had one). My only need now is to come up with something phenomenal worth sharing (I'm working on something I think fits that bill--yay!). Mr. Gallo analyzes what makes a great TEDTalk and, related to public speaking and presentation, the book is one of the most engaging and well researched I've read. Regardless of whether someone is a TEDTalk stalker like me, or simply someone wanting to improve his or her presentation presence, Mr. Gallo's book is a "must have" for any library.

Author talks to you by telling stories. I have used this guide and improved my presentation skills at work.

"Le idee sono la moneta di scambio del XXI Secolo". Questo libro insegna a come saper spendere il proprio potenziale di idee con il linguaggio, le tecniche che si adattano ai nostri tempi, seguendo l'esempio dei "grandi" di TED. Un libro essenziale.

Cumple con su objetivo que es darte una idea de como mejorar tu forma de expresarte en publico y de mantener a tu audiencia, ideal si eres lider o si debes llevar un pequeño equipo de trabajo, la presentación del libro muy buena y la redaccion hace amena la lectura.

Good book if you are preparing for m.u.n (Model United Nations)

This is a great read for anyone looking to communicate with more impact and meaning. His message map can be applied to any context when looking to clearly communicate with others. It is an easy read with great suggestions (supported by examples) to the very last page. An inspiring look at genius presenters who worked hard to engage an audience. This book points to the fact that you can LEARN how to be a great speaker. Loved it.

This book is great for anyone who communicates in any forum. T will help you sharpen your skill and covers a variety of techniques and styles. The examples of TED talks are helpful. The book is well thought through and researched. I particularly love the final chapter, stay in your lane. My only negative would be that some of the chapters felt a bit long, perhaps the 18 minute rule could be applied to the book, but I might just be a slower reader than others! A great read and well worth purchasing if you are looking to grow in your ability to deliver talks.