J.J. Abrams spoke at TED about the power of mystery in storytelling. As a director, writer, and producer known for works like Lost, Star Wars, and Super 8, he discussed how leaving elements of a story mysterious allows audiences to use their imagination. Abrams kept the audience engaged with personal anecdotes and humor. He advocated embracing the unknown as a challenge rather than an obstacle and encouraged artists to use mystery to enhance their work by giving audiences freedom to interpret.

1. Mystery Box
with
J.J. Abrams
Photo courtesy of TheMarySue.com
Angie Perkins – PSP:1206

2. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
So, who is this guy?
Director
Writer
Producer
All images from imdb.com

3. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
Why was he at TED?
“…Mystery is the catalyst for imagination.”
Mystery invites us to think, to create,
and to draw our own conclusions.

4. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
Warming up to the crowd…
Humor works wonders.
By opening with a science reference, he broke the ice
amongst professionals who are
not all in the entertainment industry.
Picture from: http://swift.cmbi.ru.nl/teach/alg/infopages/proteins.shtml

5. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
Keeping it Real
Abrams kept the audience engaged
with personal stories of his grandfather
and the inspiring role he played
in the director’s early life.
Having a self-aware sense of humor Movie still of “Jaws” (1975). Copyright Universal Pictures.
helped, too.
With the use of movie clips,
Abrams was able to relay
his points by example.
He also
brought his
Mystery Box.

6. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
Obeying the TED Commandments
From the TED Website:
Dream Big.
“…Do something that will be remembered forever...”
Learn to take the unknown as a challenge, not an obstacle.
In storytelling, leaving a sense of mystery allows a person
to draw their own conclusions and
make their own connections to the story.
As an artist and writer, I can use this element to enhance a story
or art piece. Let the viewer have some freedom to interpret.

7. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
The Scorecard
Abrams gets 4 out of 5 on the Dynamism Scale.
Pros: Cons:
• Relatable – connected with audience • Sounded underprepared (Word
• Humorous fillers)
• Visually appealing presentation • Not much of a “closer”
“Vault Boy” character copyright Bethesda Softworks.

8. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
Learn From the Pros
The key to success in
presenting?
Again, the key words are
“be relatable.”
While giving presentations, keep the audience interested and involved.
Use terms and examples that are familiar with the listener,
so they are not left in the dark or alienated.

9. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
Sir Ken Robinson
I know what
you’re thinking…
“Wait a second…
I thought this
was about
J.J. Abrams!”
Robinson is arguably one of the most professional speakers at TED.
So, naturally, comparisons are inevitable.

10. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
How do they stack up?
They both: However:
• Made connections with their • Abrams, while confident in his
audience by relating personal beliefs, seemed less practiced
stories. with the speech. Robinson is very
well-rehearsed and comfortable.
• Were very passionate about
their chosen topics, backed •Robinson had a more organized
up by example and outline in the presentation.
experience.
• Abrams used a lot of visual aides
• Had similar purposes in (not necessarily bad), while
their presentations – Robinson used none.
challenge people to expand
their creativity.

11. TED Evaluation: J.J. Abrams
My Final Thought
The best lessons from watching this presentation.
Relaxation is key. Practice makes perfect.
http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2011/06/sh http://communicationskillstips.com/2012/3-
awn-greens-ze.html great-ways-to-practice-your-speech/
Most Important: Care about what you’re trying to communicate.