What are We Doing and Why?

The purpose of this activity is to begin to learn more TEDTalks and writer's purpose. A TEDTalk is a short public speaking presentation (5-18 minutes typically) about a topic of your choice. Throughout this module we will analyze TEDTalks and focus on writer's purpose of entertaining, informing, or persuading as we evaluate our task while connecting and reaching our audience.

After completing this activity, you will be able to say:

I can plan, draft, and revise a persuasive, informative, or entertaining speech.

What Steps do I Take?

You will start by viewing a video on "Author's Purpose" by Minds Blooming. This will be your introduction or review of the elements of author's purpose in writing and public speaking. You will analyze author's purpose again later in the module as we continue to build our knowledge of TEDTalks.

TEDTalks can be held globally while a TEDx can be held locally by a city, university, or other organization. Both events feature public speakers of all ages talking about a variety of topics they are passionate about.
Read more about What is a TEDTalk? and preview and sample one listed within it. They are organized by type of talk. Do you think you can deliver a TEDTalk? It is easier than you think!
Our speaking project for this module will be in the form of a TEDTalk on a topic of your choice with responses to peers.

How do I Know I've Been Successful?

With the information in this activity you should be able to explain what a TEDTalk is and prepare to present an online version.

Submission Guidelines

This practice and information is for you and doesn't need to be submitted for a score.

Assignment References and Resources (click to expand)

Minds Blooming. (2021 Feb 2). Author's Purpose. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enm4afX-izA

TEDx. (2025). What is TEDx Talk? https://www.ted.com/pages/what-is-a-tedx-talk