Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action

http://bit.ly/2pEEK8g

Simon Sinek's TedTalk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action", is ranked within the three most popular TedTalks of all time.

The talk begins with a questions that is thought provoking and draws viewers in. He asked why certain companies, such as Apple, appear so much more innovative and successful. This is a very curious idea, as he explained that there employees are no better than those of another company, and their opportunities are the same as well. I, presumably like many others, was captivated by this question and anxious for an answer. This is what a hook should be like, whether or not it is a question or an abstract idea.

He then continued with his solution: "people don't buy what you do, but why you do it". As the talk went on he repeatedly said that single phrase, effectively related everything back to it. He drew in examples of real-world applications and broke down the meaning and how it related. Along with a catch phrase Sinek had a symbol: "The Golden Circle" shown at the top. These two things were drilled into viewers' heads over the course of the video so that they might take something away with them. This lets viewers remember the point of the talk after it has finished.

At the conclusion of the talk, Sinek wrapped up with a few thoughtful statements tying the juice of his message to the point he wanted to make. In this case he brought back the idea of what a leader should be: someone who does what they do for a purpose, and inspires others to follow them by following themself.

On a more technical side of things, Sink was a very effective communicator. He paused for effect after presenting big ideas, and even expressed shock at his own words. Throughout the talk he made little side jokes, but nothing too distracting. The eye contact also made an impact, as it seemed to make everything more sincere. He also acted fairly relaxed, which allowed the talk to appear a little less tense and more full of passion. I think this may have been the most important thing because it made the message the point, not himself, and his care and passion was obvious.