Last week at TED, Jamie Oliver, the winner of the TED Prize, gave a talk about how we are slowly killing our children (in America) through not educating them about basic things like how to prepare food. He’s right. We are a sickly obese nation.

Here, Ruth and I opine about his presentation. Here’s her riff, followed by mine …

Jamie has a personality for TV, ideas worthy of TED, and a presentation style perfect for radio. I counted over 100 paces in the first 3 minutes of his talk. I loved listening to his message especially as a parent trying to teach my young children about food, but I simply could not watch it. I’d be curious how those in the audience felt who didn’t have a minimize button.

(Articulation Tip: Remember that your non-verbals account for sometimes up to 60% of your presentation.  If you say something powerful in between back flips, what do you think they’ll remember?)

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Jamie Oliver is clearly a man on a mission – a mission he articulates quite clearly and vividly. His message was eye-opening if not shocking, impressive and evocative. Why?

Because he told a story that tugged at the hearts and niggled the consciences of his audience. How?

First, he got the attention of everyone in the room. He called them out. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles. Second, he dared to voice an appalling fact: today’s kids have a shorter lifespan than their moms and dads thanks to obesity. Third, he introduced us to reality. Using statistics, visuals and, most importantly, the tales and faces of real people.

This was presentation storytelling of a high art. Oliver was clear about his mission, knew his audience and wasn’t afraid to shock people into change.

(Articulation Tip: Bold, pithy statements are more memorable. Don’t be afraid to be dramatic.)