TED talks: multimodal communicative affordances for EPS/ELF dissemination

Abstract

Abstract Talks have been of interest for researchers who have compared different modes of scientific speeches such as traditional formal lectures, conferences and storyboarding technology, entertainment, and design (TED) talks. This article aims at exploring effective approaches to knowledge dissemination for non-native speakers in English Public Speaking (EPS) scenarios, a current challenge for international university students or academics, who need to adapt the format of the lecture or conference to a more persuasive and engaging public speech. TED Talks allow information consumers either in real time halls or in ubiquitous online performances to listen to well-explained verbal ideas that connect nonverbal language and emotions with the international audience. The hypothesis, therefore, is that TED Talks can serve as models of multimodal dissemination pitches to English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) speakers, who can be trained to improve their speech performance and convey their scientific notions and results successfully. After analysing the 10 most popular TED Talks, the findings suggest a set of strategies and techniques that can be useful for non-native learners in English Public Speaking contexts or for users of English as a Lingua Franca in their dissemination talks. The results provide some common pedagogical affordances for ELF dissemination talks, considering multimodal and nonverbal communication.