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Debra Smith
Niagara Falls / Toronto, On
Canada

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What makes a TED talk great to you?

This morning I watched a profoundlly great TEDx talk. AS I wondered how to share it, I asked myself what made this so great that I think everyone should see it?
My answer to myself: It offered a practical and doable solution to saving many many lives, It was well presented and stimulating. The speaker was clear and without arrogance.

So now I am curious, (always am with apologies to those who are ticked off by that) about what makes a great TED talk to you. (also, I am happy to accept recommendations!)

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Efrain Torres
- +1
Jul 31 2012: An apology is a way to show respect to other people opinions. I do not see the issue.
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Qyv Qyv
- 0
Jul 31 2012: Never.

Ever.

Apologize.

For being yourself.

....

If someone doesn't like 'you', if they're 'offended', then you've just filtered out someone you don't really want to talk to... At least for now...
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 31 2012: You are cryptic here and I have no idea what you are referring to. I do not use any other social media and to your other note I never have been in Texas but I have read every word Ayn Rand wrote and if you are defending her honour., why bother she is dead and has said everything she has wished to say. Just read it all before you decide.
  Debra
  
  PS What is the Randian oppose of love? Spellcheck?
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- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 31 2012: Welcome Don and thank you for your input!
Efrain Torres
- 0
Jul 31 2012: TED community is giving me the opportunity of opening debates and ideas of scientific topics. You are welcome Debra and all TED community to evaluate the evidence posted and express your opinions about the presented topics. Any ideas are welcome.
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 31 2012: Efrain this sounds really exciting. Can you tell us more. Especially where to find it?
  - Efrain Torres
    
    +1
    Jul 31 2012: There is a topic "Microturbines for CHP on susteinable buildings". It presents an idea to use natural gas lines to provide for a small amount of building apartments electricity, heat, new low energy cost centralized community services such as laundry and cafeteria and fuel sintesys for vehicles. All is available equipment and technology. It can be a good oportunity to give new economical value to old buildings.
  - Efrain Torres
    
    0
    Jul 31 2012: There is a topic "Microturbines for CHP on susteinable buildings". It presents an idea to use natural gas lines to provide for a small amount of building apartments electricity, heat, reduce in 75% electrical consumption, centralized community services such as laundry and cafeteria and fuel sintesys for vehicles. All is available equipment and technology. It can be a good oportunity to give new economical value to old buildings.
Jason Pounds
- +1
Jul 30 2012: I know I listened to a good talk when I have to be reminded by my friends that I already made them watch it.
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 30 2012: Now that is funny and something most of us have done at least once!
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- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 23 2012: YES!
Efrain Torres
- 0
Jul 23 2012: I'm new on TEDtalk. This weekend i learn a lot from all of you. Thanks for sharing your life with me.
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 23 2012: Welcome, here Efrain! It is an egaliarian place where we are all learners at a shared banquet.
queenie kwan
- +2
Jul 17 2012: when i first get in touch with TED talk, i just found it amazing which provides me lots of new ideas and sometimes i can find someone share the same beliefs with me. this is so great that makes me feel that the world is so close in terms of making the globe better.
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 17 2012: I agree with you , Queenie!
Gerald O'brian 50+
- +1
Jul 17 2012: A TED talk is great when I can't wait to tell everyone I know about it, but drastically fail to give it justice.
A great TED talk is one you can't share other than with the link to the webpage.
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 17 2012: Wow, by that definition, I find many to be great.
Scott Armstrong 50+
- +1
Jul 17 2012: Hi Deb,

for me, it is when it has been recommended by someone I know and respect. And even then, I reserve judgement until some time after consuming said 'talk'. :)
edward long 100+
- 0
Jul 16 2012: (Oops. This was meant to be a reply to your latest question Debra). I like to see prevailing error displaced by truth. I like substance seasoned with humor. I appreciate folks who communicate their knowledge and wisdom in terms I can understand and apply. I enjoy honest, guileless arguments and presentations. What a meaningful thing it is that TED produces a platform for just such human activity!
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 17 2012: Edward, thank you. I loved this:
  
  I like to see prevailing error displaced by truth. I like substance seasoned with humor. I appreciate folks who communicate their knowledge and wisdom in terms I can understand and apply. I enjoy honest, guileless arguments and presentations.
edward long 100+
- 0
Jul 16 2012: Somewhere in the TED material it suggests these four qualities should be part of any contribution: Crisp; Candid; Provocative; Relevant. I think a GREAT talk will display all four characteristics PLUS an unexpected bonus, or two! A "profoundly great" talk would be an 11 on a scale of 10. Thank you!
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 16 2012: Oh, thank you Edward. You have shown me that I should do more reading on the site. Are there any other qualities you find endearing or compelling in your favourite talks?

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