Amy Purdy

Amy Purdy lost her lost her spleen, kidneys, and hearing in left ear and both legs when she was diagnosed with meningitis. She was only 19 years old and just moved out on her own.

After she finally left the hospital she decided that she was not

going to just lay around anymore.

She used her new legs as more of an advantage than a

disadvantage.

Amy was a very good snow boarder before this and had a

great job.

The overall thesis of Purdy’s speech was to not

look at challenges and limitations as bad things

but as blessings and gifts.

Amy captured our attention in her intro by starting with

an interesting quote that pulled us in. She followed

with a little about her goals for life; wanting to travel. She went into the story of how she lost her legs after

that. The way that she spoke was very intriguing

and you just wanted to keep on listening to hear her

story.

I think that she maintained the audience’s attention by telling more about her. She told funny stories about having the fake legs. And she also pulled us in with sad things about having them. Hearing about her successes, you just wanted to keep listening and hear more and more.

Of the TED Commandments Amy definitely most follows

‘Thou Shall Tell a Story’. She gives the listeners her

inspirational story and keeps everyone tuned

in.

I would rate her dynamism a 4 out 5. She made multiple pauses that I don’t really think added to her performance.

She did a great job with connecting with her audience though..

Garr Reynolds and Nancy Duarte give many tips for speakers. One

thing that stood out was the confidence and enthusiasm of

Amy’s speech even though it was a sad story. She obviously knew

what she were to talk about because it is her life, but she does

a great job with organizing her content.

I have learned from Amy’s delivery to try and connect myself to what

I’m talking about. Also to put a positive spin on anything that

seemed too sad.

Many speakers also try their best to make people laugh a little and I have noticed from so many people that it is the best way to help to connect to

the audience.

In comparing Amy to Ken they have some similarities.

They both use some sort of humor to connect the audience. Though, he uses it more. They also both have a good speaking ethic; very

understandable.

Differences.He is very informative and uses so many

examples when he speaks. Amy just tells her story from how she lived it. It is so much more

personal than how Ken delivers.

Tips from my Ted Talk

Try and connect with you’re story.

Everyone is more intrigued in

what you have to say when it is relatable also.

Try and make people laugh and just not be too serious, even if

the topic is.

“Borders are where the actual ends, but

where imaginatio

n and story

begins.”

Images: Google, screen shots

Video: http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_bey

ond_limits.html

Hope you enjoyed XD