I get pre-emptive goosebumps whenever I hear the theme music at the beginning of a TED Talk. And I am not alone in this: countless internet users around the world have shared in the illumination of these moving online presentations that are changing the art of public speaking. TED Talks are not about rhetoric, but about Ideas Worth Spreading. With their ideas worth spreading, TED presenters break every rule in the Toastmasters book. Yet they move us as a species so much that we have watched them more than 500 million times.
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| Image: TEDx KL |
No wonder that followers around the world have jumped at the opportunity to independently organize TED events of their own. Dubbed TEDx, these events embrace the TED principles and follow shared guidelines, but are organized entirely by their local communities, with the blessings (and listings) of TED proper. Upcoming events can be found at the TEDx listings, which also include links to live streaming TEDx events. Past TEDx Talks are archived on the TEDx YouTube channel.
It was a very pleasant surprise to find out that a TEDx event is on its way to Kuala Lumpur. TEDx KL 2012: Interdependence boasts a lineup of esteemed international guest speakers, but even more intriguing to me is the rich mix of fascinating Malaysians from the fields of technology, business, science, the arts and miscellanea. The full listing of illustrious and inspiring presenters can be found at on the TEDx KL Speakers page, along with brief bios of each. I for one can't wait to hear and see them (and presumably the most enlightened audience in town) in action. With over a week to go, there is always the playlist of TEDx KL past to stir the blood.
TEDx KL 2012 can be found at www.tedxkl.com. The event will take place at the Temple of Fine Arts in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur (see map) on Saturday, 14 July from just after noon. Tickets are RM100 online, or RM130 at the door.
