TED TALK: Life Lessons from a volunteer fire fighter
Mark Bezos
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
1
Read about Mark Bezos’s background. Write T (true) or F (false).
Mark Bezos earned a degree in advertising and public relations, and then worked
for several agencies, first as an account manager, and finally a vice president. In
1999, he co-founded his own company, then seven years later, sold the business.
He now works for Robin Hood, a poverty-fighting charity in New York City, as
Senior Vice President of Development, Communications and Events. In 2012, he
became a volunteer captain in the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Company in
Westchester County, where he lives with his wife and four children. Firefighting
– even volunteer firefighting – is a highly respected job in the USA.
1
2
3
4
Bezos had a successful career in his chosen field.
Robin Hood’s primary activity is advertising.
His current job with Robin Hood is a volunteer position.
His work as a fire-fighter is not a paying job, and isn’t full time.
UNDERSTANDING THE MESSAGE
2
In his TED Talk, Bezos tells a story about helping at a fire. Watch the
talk. Which of the following explain Bezos’s main reason(s) for
speaking?
1
to inform
2
to persuade
3
to entertain
4
to inspire
3
a
b
c
Choose the main point (a–c) of Bezo’s talk.
We should help friends and family first.
Small acts of kindness are as important as big ones.
First be successful in your job, then go and help others.
CRITICAL THINKING
How a message is delivered
4
Read the conclusion or ‘message’ of Mark Bezos’s talk. How did he get
his message across? Choose the best answer (a–c).
‘Don’t wait until you make your first million to make a difference in somebody’s
life. If you have something to give, give it now.’
a
b
c
with different examples
with visuals / pictures
with a simple story
PRESENTATION SKILLS
Being authentic
5
Work in pairs or small groups. Answer the questions.
1
What kind of person do you think an audience most likes: confident, funny,
knowledgeable, or sincere?
2
Which of those qualities do you like the most? Why
6
Look at the Presentation tips box. Answer the questions below.
Presentation tips
When you give a talk, it’s important to be yourself and for your personality to
come through. Follow these steps:
1
Write your talk yourself. Use words and expressions that you would
normally use so that your words convey your personality.
2
Speak from the heart. Talk about things that you know about and believe in.
3
Don’t worry if you are nervous. An audience sometimes warms more to
someone who is nervous than someone who is full of confidence. They
want you to succeed.
4
Relax your body. Try to move and gesture as you normally do.
1
2
3
What kind of person does it suggest people like to listen to?
Does the audience ‘warm’ to Mark Bezos? How can you tell?
Which points (1–4) from the Presentation tips box do you think Mark
Bezos follows in his talk?
7
Plan a short presentation about a life lesson. Make some notes about
one of the following.
Life lesson: hard work pays off
A success you had because you worked hard
Life lesson: be prepared
A failure you experienced or an opportunity you missed because you
weren’t prepared
Life lesson: sometimes just being lucky is enough
A good thing that happened because you were in the right place at the right
time
•
•
•
8
Work in pairs. Give your presentation.
Remember:
•
Use the advice from the Presentation tips box and be yourself!
•
Use the same structure Bezos used, where your story leads naturally to
your ‘life lesson’ conclusion.