All great conversationalists are naturally curious people and they are very good at asking interesting questions. Here’s how to use that approach in speechwriting.

This title got nearly 1 million viewers to click. Here’s what got people to stop and watch—instead of scrolling past.

"Please watch and share “ is well-intended, but it doesn’t really inspire people to click or engage. Here’s what to do instead.

A compelling opener will get your audience to sit up and listen, but to KEEP them engaged, you need to answer the question: What’s in it for them?

Skip the “I’d like to begin by thanking so-and-so” or an agenda slide. Here’s where to start to grab your audience’s attention.

When it comes to whether or not you should open your speech with humor, take advice from Yoda: "Do or do not, there is no try."

The “big idea” is central to TED’s identity. The best ones are unexpected, provocative, defy expectations, and spark curiosity. Let’s look at a few examples.

If you are speaking a mile a minute, that's not great. But you know what? It's just as bad to speak slowly. Here’s why.

Help your audience relax and (actually!) listen: Structure your talk using the classic storytelling principle, The Rule of Threes.