Submitted By: Ariana Haque
Profession/Background: Corporate Trainer and Public Speaking Coach
Book Title: Talk Like TED
Author: Carmine Gallo
Before Reading the Book:
Public speaking was always something I enjoyed, but something about it felt… flat. I could teach people how to speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and even how to structure a speech logically. But I noticed that many of my clients—and at times, even I—struggled to connect deeply with the audience. The speeches were “good,” but rarely “great.” I kept asking myself, “What makes a talk memorable?” My training sessions lacked that spark, that emotional connection that makes an audience lean in and remember your words long after the session ends.
Despite years of professional experience, something was missing.
Discovering the Book That Changed Everything:
I stumbled upon “Talk Like TED” almost by accident. It was during one of my late-night YouTube rabbit holes watching TED Talks. One particular comment under a Simon Sinek talk read, “This feels like the kind of talk Gallo describes in Talk Like TED.” I paused. That name—Carmine Gallo—sounded familiar. I remembered seeing the book on a colleague’s desk a year ago.
Curious, I ordered it that night.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. This wasn’t just another “how-to” on public speaking—it was a scientific, inspiring, and emotionally engaging blueprint for how to move people with your words. Gallo broke down world-class TED Talks and revealed the “magic ingredients” behind their success: storytelling, passion, novelty, visuals, humor, and more. It felt like someone had finally handed me the recipe to turn good speakers into unforgettable ones.
After the Book:
Everything changed—slowly, then all at once.
I started integrating the book’s principles into my sessions. Instead of starting with outlines or bullet points, I asked clients, “What’s the story behind this idea? Why does it matter to you personally?” I encouraged them to be vulnerable, to embrace their passions, to use visuals that stirred emotions, not just conveyed facts. I urged them to think not just like speakers, but like performers with a mission.
And when I practiced these things myself—whether delivering workshops, webinars, or even casual team presentations—I noticed something almost magical: people leaned in. They smiled more. They remembered what I said. I started getting feedback like, “You made this topic come alive,” or “That story really stuck with me.”
My talks weren’t just being heard—they were being felt.
The Transformation:
Reading “Talk Like TED” transformed how I saw communication. It wasn’t just about what you say, but how you make people feel. I started to understand that great communicators don’t dump information—they take you on a journey.
I rewrote my entire training curriculum based on Gallo’s principles. Instead of modules on “voice projection” and “slide design,” I built workshops around “finding your emotional core,” “crafting irresistible openings,” and “delivering with authenticity.”
But the transformation went deeper than my work. As someone who’s introverted by nature, I often held back from showing too much emotion or vulnerability in my talks. Gallo gave me permission to be more of myself. To let people in. To tell stories that mattered—even when they weren’t polished or perfect.
As a result, my confidence soared. Not because I became more “perfect” as a speaker, but because I became more real.
My Favorite Line & How It Helps Me Every Day:
“Emotional connections are created through stories, not facts.”
This line is now the cornerstone of every speech I write and every session I deliver. Whenever I’m preparing to speak—whether it’s a 5-minute pep talk or a 45-minute keynote—I ask myself: “What story am I telling? Where is the heart in this message?”
That line reminds me daily that people may forget your words, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
To Anyone Considering This Book:
If you’ve ever watched a TED Talk and thought, “I wish I could communicate like that,” this book is your roadmap. It’s not about copying anyone—it’s about uncovering the best, most powerful version of your own voice.
“Talk Like TED” isn’t just for speakers, either. It’s for teachers, marketers, leaders, entrepreneurs—anyone who needs to move others with words. The principles Gallo outlines are backed by research, illustrated with real-life examples, and delivered in a way that feels personal, not preachy.
This book will change how you speak, but more importantly, it will change how you connect. And in today’s world, connection is everything.