Speaking Skills

Learning Target(s):

• Recognize an increasing range of text structures and how they contribute to meaning
• Respectfully exchange ideas and viewpoints from diverse perspectives to build shared understanding and extend thinking
• Transform ideas and information to create original texts, using various genres, forms, structures, and styles

Spoken word is a fundamental mode of communication. We use it daily and in nearly every aspect of our lives. It makes sense, then, that as we develop new modes of communication, they do not replace spoken word but, instead, they enhance it. They augment it.

TED Talks are a prime example of this augmentation. While many people enjoy watching TED Talks, probably because one exists for nearly every topic imaginable (and the collection continues to grow), it is unlikely that many people would voluntarily deliver one. The fear of public speaking can sometimes be overwhelming. The following TED Talks address this issue from a perspective that considers public speaking a SKILL that can be learned - not as an elusive talent that is gifted to just a few lucky folks.