Today, TED-style talks are very popular all over the world. They get millions of views on YouTube. In this article, we will look at what kind of program - TED is and whether we need it, we will analyze the features of TED conferences and try to find out why they have become so famous.
Definition
TED is an American non-profit organization dedicated to spreading ideas through 18-minute lectures. This is a project designed to bring enthusiasts from all over the world together and give them the opportunity to share their ideas with the world.
TED - what does that mean?
The name TED comes from the first letters of the words Technology, Entertainment and Design (Technology, Entertainment and Design), since the first conference was devoted to these three topics.
Mission
Current project leader Chris Anderson has summed up the project motto as "Ideas Worth Spreading". Indeed, all TED activities are geared towards one goal: the spread of great ideas. To do this, conferences are held, video recordings are exhibited in the public domain, the TED Prize is awarded for the mostmeaningful ideas, a global TEDx community is being formed, educational videos are being made, and more.
The organization positions itself as a global community, it invites people from all walks of life and cultures who want to better understand this world to cooperate. At TED, we believe in the power of ideas to change people's lives, how they relate to the world, and ultimately the world.
The official TED.com website has collected many videos from the most inspired and curious people who are ready to share ideas with each other and with the whole world.
History and development
It all started in 1984, when a demo CD, an e-book and the latest 3D graphics from Lucasfilm were presented to the public in Monterey, USA. The abbreviation TED appeared at the same time, and this name has remained unchanged since then.
The second conference took place only 6 years later, in 1990, when the world became truly ready for such events. Unlike the first, the second TED conference was a success and has since become an annual event. Since 1990, it has brought together progressive and most influential speakers from around the world in a variety of disciplines. They are united by curiosity and openness to new knowledge, as well as a desire to unravel the mysteries of our world.
In the 1980s. the founders of TED themselves invited speakers, today everyone can apply and take part in the event.
Over time, the conference became crowded within the original three topics, so the speeches becameinvite scientists, philosophers, musicians, businessmen, religious leaders, philanthropists and many others. Today, the conference covers almost all topics - from science to world affairs - in more than 100 languages. For most attendees, a TED talk is the highlight of the year.
TED in numbers
In July 2006, the first six TED Talks were posted. In September of the same year, more than a million people watched them. Videos of this format became so popular that in 2007 the official TED website was relaunched and provided free access to almost all talks.
By 2009, TED talks reached 100 million views. Thanks to TED, many speakers have become popular on the Internet, such as Jill Bolte Taylor and Sir Ken Robinson.
In the fall of 2012, TED Talks celebrated 1 billion video views. They are gaining popularity online, with 17 TED video views every second.
Other components
As the TED project progressed, additional programs were added, such as:
- TEDGlobal, international conferences;
- an annual TED Prize for the best ideas;
- TED Talks audio and video podcast featuring the best talks available for free online viewing;
- TEDx - TED style events organized under license in other countries;
- TED Translator program that translates lectures into more than 100languages;
- TED-Ed educational program containing short video tutorials;
- TED Radio Hour
TED lectures. What is it? Features and characteristics
TED events are different from other similar events. First, TED talks are lectures that last between 11 and 18 minutes, no longer. This is due to the psychological nature of a person, since only during the first 20 minutes is it possible to fully retain people's attention.
Secondly, all TED participants are united by one idea - to change the world for the better. But at the same time, they do not just talk, but do. The speakers show by example how words and deeds can be combined. Each performance becomes an event, it is discussed, it is heard by millions of viewers around the world. The ideal TED speaker is a multi-talented person who is both a scientist and a businessman and even a movie star. He must structure his performance in such a way as to keep the attention of the audience until the last minute. He must have the charisma to present his achievements to the public in a favorable light.
Thirdly, the conference is available to everyone. Everyone can watch the performances for free on the official website or on the YouTube website and also become a part of this wonderful event.
What are they talking about at TED conferences?
On the official Ted.com website, you can find a list of the 25 most popular speeches. The most viewed lectures are about the personality of a person, education, self-development and creativity, about limitless possibilities.human.
The most popular speech of all time of the project's existence is a lecture by British expert Kenneth Robinson on how schools suppress creativity in children. More than 12 million people have watched this video, which shows that they share the opinion of K. Robinson that schools should develop the creative potential of children.
During the existence of the project, many famous people of our time have become its speakers, including the 42nd US President Bill Clinton, various Nobel laureates, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, Bill Gates and many others.
TED in Russia
TeD-style conferences are also held in other countries. To host an event, you only need to obtain a TEDx license. In Russia, the TED format is only gaining popularity, along with Belarus and Kazakhstan. The first TEDx event in Russia took place in Perm in 2009.
Similar conferences are held in other Russian cities and universities, which allows students to feel like famous speakers and share their ideas for improving their city, country and the future of the whole world.
Thus, TED is a project that unites countries and peoples in the cause of changing the world for the better.
