PERCEPTION is important and the idea that we find OUR skill and use it to the max.

There is no suggestion here that these are the only ways to present or that anyone could replicate them.

Each of us needs to find our groove!

But these are great examples of people in their element and inspiration to provoke us to explore how to make our own presentations AMAZING!

Just checked out the Lessing talk and sorry have to disagree with you on this one.

The focus should ALWAYS be on the presenter NOT on the slides. While this may be clever use of PPT, it will NOT be easily remembered.

Using this as an example will make your speakers tend to think this is OK when it’s not. Also, it will make them more nervous, not less so (although that seems counterintuitive).

Please, please delete the Lessing example

Excellent advice and tips. Great use of TED Talks as examples.

Furthermore:

Avoid using text on slides – have BIG, close-up images ONLY if possible. (The last slide example w Bill Gates is still TOO MUCH TEXT)

While Isabelle Allende does a great job, you should avoid reading as she chose to do. Your delivery will be much more powerful without a script (trust me, it will!).

Practice, practice, practice.

Finally:

Get coached (don’t expect friends and family to give you HONEST and useful feedback about your presentation).