Movement & Energy On Stage

More on Hans Rosling who I sat next to for one of the TED events last week. Hans was the one who I wrote about (as did others) in my early blog posts on TED; the lively Swede who ran back and forth across the stage, touched the screen and engaged us with his bouncing colored balls. What a way to present stats.

I found him witty, curious, smart and engaging. He carried an innocence that so many adults lack. As if I was meeting a stranger on a plane or train in Europe when I was 18, when words are flowing and ears are eager to hear, Hans tells me a significant amount about his life in a short thirty minute conversation.

I learn that he has a blog and that he is one of five sword swallowers in Sweden. Why is this important he asks me? Because he always wanted to entertain and having this background adds to his presentation and his ability to engage people.

How often do you get to the states? I asked. It's not often and when he does, it's usually not for social reasons; he adds an interesting sdiebar. He does not spend a lot of time in the U.S. because of the language barrier -- meaning that when he is here for international meetings, people don't use slang or local pop culture references. Why? It's not efficient, so there's no point.

He asks me with a wry smile and I had to laugh - "Why don't people touch the screen and move across the stage?" Good question, I thought. Why doesn't everyone put energy into their delivery? We all loved Hans, Tony Robbins and the mad scientist Stoll for that very reason.

Tag: TED Tag: TED2006 Tag: Hans Rosling