Tomorrow: TED Talk Analysis

By: Phyllis Elizabeth Holloway

“None of us can change our yesterdays but all of us can change our tomorrow.” 

-Colin Powell 

Powell's official portrait as the Secretary of State
Here's the link!

For my TED Talk Analysis, I chose to analyze Colin Powell’s TED Talk “Kids Need Structure”. The speech was delivered in 2012 at TEDxMidAtlantic. This TED Talk ties in very well to my service-learning organization, Step By Step, because it is a speech about how the world as we know it can change to provide a better future for the upcoming generations. Colin Powell speaks about how we can help children get a good start on life.

General Colin Powell is the former United States Secretary of State, and was the first African American to serve in this position. As you see in the picture below of Powell in uniform, you see that he is a very decorated veteran. There are many different opinions on Powell’s credibility, especially on the subject of education. Since Powell never served as an educator outside of the military, many believe he was not fit to deliver this TED Talk. Some comments brought up things that happened while he was in office. Some had a more open-minded approach to the talk.

General Colin Powell waving in a
New York City Welcome Home Parade
Here's the link!

Like many others, I agree that Powell delivered a powerful message. Powell made a strong point to encourage the community to become a part of young people’s education. As Powell points out, a child begins learning just after the child is born. One of his big points is saying that, “A child who has not been read to is in danger when that child gets to school.” This is something that I whole-heartedly believe in. I was read to as a child and I believe it has made me a stronger student and a better person. Although I agree with his point, I would have liked some research that backed up the statement. 

Powell relied heavily on his past in the military. This is something that anyone who knew Powell would expect. You can see the passion he had for his participation in the ROTC. I appreciate his passion for the topic as it made it a lot more enjoyable and easier for me to tune in to what he was saying. Powell shared stories throughout the speech, which also kept the audience very engaged into the message he was trying to share with them. He kept eye contact and great organization throughout his speech. Powell stayed very true to himself during this speech. 

Colin Powell delivering his TED Talk with the picture he
used to kick off his speech.
Here's the link! 

At the beginning of his speech, Powell shared a photo that he then told a story about. He did not have a powerpoint filled with words, so that made his presentation engaging. I think the audience expected more engaging images, though. Powell once took a stab at his younger self, to make the audience see that he doesn’t take himself too seriously, and to keep them engaged with laughter. Also, near the beginning of the speech he was telling a story, and it seemed like he was losing the audience. Powell yelled “AT EASE!” and I believe he caught the audience’s attention again. 

I think the audience knows that kids need the basic necessities to survive. I believe that the things such as attention, love, and structure are very often overlooked. All in all, I believe that Powell made a strong message (that was under the 18 minute limit!) that has the possibility of changing lives for generations to come. I agree with Colin Powell when he says, “Every child ought to have a good start in life.” 

I encourage you to watch this TED Talk for yourself!