According to their website, TED is a non-profit organization that believes powerful ideas, powerfully presented, move us: to feel something, to think differently, to take action. TED Talks originated as part of TED’s annual conference, but have spread globally as a new standardized way to share ideas: short, evidence-based presentations on a variety of topics that are presented by experts in the topic’s field.
In Mill Creek’s TED Talks class, students have full autonomy in choosing the topic they’re passionate about. Teacher Liz Melvin works closely with them to help refine their ideas—guiding them to make their focus more broad or more specific depending on what will make the strongest talk. Throughout the course, students explore how to engage an audience by stepping into their shoes, using storytelling to create a connection, and ensuring that each talk not only teaches something new but also leaves the audience with a meaningful “next step.”
Students also break down successful TED Talks, identifying the elements of ethos, pathos, and logos, three persuasive speaking techniques, to analyze what makes successful TED Talks so compelling. Ethos refers to persuasion based on the credibility or authority of the speaker, pathos refers to persuasion based on emotion, and logos refers to persuasion based on logic or reason.
Students know they’ll ultimately present in front of a large audience of 50–60 peers and staff, aiming for a five-minute delivery. The small class size—typically 6 to 10 students—allows for in-depth feedback and personal mentoring. They spend time practicing, filming themselves, and reviewing their performances, though nerves still show up on presentation day—and that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning process.
Check out these TED Talks from Henry Brand, Wylie Burns, Landon St. Romain, Natalia Vittone, and Colby Wallingford!
Click here for the full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcvaeqTQP62KgEkouflTwmzObgY5aT8f3
- TED Talk