Jon Ronson TED Talk "Strange Answers to the Psychopath Test"

1. Margaret Rhoads

2. A successful writer and documentary filmmaker, Ronson has done everything
from writing columns for the Guardian to hosting an essay program on Radio 4.

3. In his TED video “Strange Answers to the Psychology Test”, Ronson touches on and
explores the true definitions of “sane” and “insane”, and our blurred perception of the
differences between the two.

4. He first captured audience attention with a casual story that many people can relate to
– visiting a friend’s home, and picking an interesting book off the shelf while waiting
for said friend.

5. He then kept audience attention by speaking at a calm, but steady pace, never pausing
long enough for audience attention to wander away.

6. Ronson uses several of the TED commandments in this particular video. He tells the
audience of his exploration of how society viewed both normal people and
psychopaths, and told of numerous occasions when his explorations were shut down
due to his own wording of the question.

7. He knows that laughter is a good thing, and pokes fun at himself and the situations
he talks about to make the audience laugh along with him.

8. He doesn’t simply read a prewritten speech – it’s obvious on numerous occasions that
much of what Ronson says on stage is improvised.

9. I would evaluate his dynamism at a “4”. It might have benefited Ronson to use more in
the way of visuals, to help him capture audience attention.

10. Ronson shows confidence, as per Garr Reynolds. He never waivers in the knowledge
that he knows what he is talking about, and that shows through to the audience.

11. The advise I take away from watching Ronson speak is to keep a steady pace. Don’t
pause for too long, and be ready to fill the gaps between trains of thought with
relatable stories for the audience, and to be ready to share personal experiences that
tie in to the topic.

12. I saw a fair difference between Jon Ronson and Sir Ken Robinson. Whereas Robinson
uses visual aids to attract and keep audience attention, Ronson simply talks. Both tactics
work for their respective speakers, however.

13. I would advise my classmates to be confident, when they’re standing up to
speak. Show the audience that you know what you’re talking about, but be
ready to laugh with the audience, if need be.

14. Thank you for your time.