World of the Internetwork

Public speaking is never easy, statistically presenting in front of large audiences is the number one fear among people. Ted Talks are more than just that, individuals who are passionate about an idea offer their opinion on certain topics. Done correctly this can make quite an impact on those watching. A great presentation involves many factors, attempting to relate to the target viewers. After watching several of these Talks, it becomes very clear not everyone has the skill to sway an audience. Clay Shirky, an American writer, consultant and teacher on the social and economic effects of Internet technologies, is very strategical about doing this.  Having several Ted Talks, it was difficult to pick just one therefore I decided to choose two of his related videos. 

Having a background in writing, teaching and consulting Clay Shirky is well equipped with knowledge on powerful speaking. Ways in which the Internet are being used continues to shape and change the world. Government learning from open source techniques of collaboration; Social media making history with the positive uses it holds. Clay Shirky has a calm presence and effective path in both of these video presentations which organically engage the audiences.

Clay Shirky

Government

"How the Internet will (one day) transform government"

Starting light, with a laugh or two about a nine year old girl's blog getting censored. She wrote about her school lunches and rated them day after day, eventually causing the school to put an end to her stories. This school ended up creating an uproar from the girls readers, which became public causing the school to retract their decision. Shirky moves on to talks about the various history of media and how each tool invented sought to create world peace. Then expressing how more advanced media creates more arguing, which leads to open source programming in relation to this.

Open source programs allow anyone to change or add to the vast amount of coding available, this allows groups to collaborate rather than submit to accepted code. Shirky talks about corporate software being feudalism, where open source is democracy. Using the theme of "better arguments" being developed through use of these methods, his points are solidly formed. This presentation is truly worth noting in future advancements in government to a more democratic system.

Social Media

"How Social Media can make History"

This video was especially interesting and provided many great ideas on professional, and practical uses of Social platforms. Shirky is quite passionate about proper use of social media in today's society. By using historical evidence he outlines the many different media and how they too were used impractically. Once media tools start being taken for granted, and accepted as the norm, people start using them more productively. 

Some time ago a massive earthquake happened in China, prior to the event, a scientific readout predicted it and was posted on social media accounts. In comparison to the last earthquake of similar magnitude, the deaths and injuries were significantly less. This is one of many examples that knowing the correct ways in which to output through social media can help millions. 

A diagram on communication between individuals is presented next, visually showing media transfer as it used to be. Then as the arrows continue to be added Shirky's point becomes clear, communication is no longer one or two way talking.More lines between people are added to visually provide an understanding on how social networks connect all people. No longer can a source of media provide information without feedback from the masses. Social media as a whole, combines all previous forms of communications and unifies them to a single tool a computing device.

Clay Shirky has numerous articles and videos on the Internet and is very knowledgeable about technology, and society. His speaking has made me a fan of his work, which by simply articles alone, never would have created the same impact as the Ted Talk he presented. Ted Talk's provide a great platform, allowing incredible ideas to be reviewed by the public. Another thing to take from the many talks would be the many skills it takes to present information to audiences. Public speaking done well, may provide the most effective way to express a viewpoint and get others to agree with your opinions. 

Ted Talk 1) http://bit.ly/1qBqRiG

Ted Talk 2)  http://bit.ly/1m3S79j