Comparing Two TED Talks

TED is an online forum where people from all walks of life can share their ideas on various subjects in an effort to broaden the public’s understanding of a number of different topics. Two TED Talks that focus on very similar ideas are “Learning from dirty jobs,” with Mike Rowe and “A new kind of job market,” with Wingham Rowan. The topic that both of these TED talks cover has to do with the blue collar workforce. Both of these videos have the same general opinion on the subject, but present it in very different ways. Separately, they present two varying ideas about the blue collar workforce, but if both videos are considered at the same time, they present a very well rounded problem and solution. The overarching thesis of both videos can be

Mike Rowe is the speaker that presents “Learning from dirty jobs.” According to the biography found on his website Mike began his career in television in 1990 working for QVC. The part he is most well known for, however, is his role as the host of a television series called “Dirty Jobs.” Since its premier in November of 2003, Mike has tried his hand at over 300 different “dirty” jobs, that are located across all 50 states. Due to his unusually in depth understanding of the blue collar workforce, Mike is more than qualified to speak on the topic. He has met with, spoken to, and even worked side by side with a very diverse group of America’s workforce. If anyone can appreciate the need for blue collar jobs, it is Mike Rowe

Mike Rowe presents his topic in a very entertaining way. This is arguably due largely to the fact that his job is to entertain people on his TV show. He speaks in a way that is very easy to follow. He put a lot of personal aspects into his story which are a great way to keep the listener interested in what is being said. Rowe gave numerous specific examples to justify his points; he rarely included actual citable facts (2008). Wingham Rowan goes about presenting his topic in a very different way. He speaks in a more professional tone throughout the lecture. This is more appealing to some listeners as they feel he knows what he is talking about from the very beginning, but for other listeners, that lack of entertainment factor can lose their attention very quickly. While Rowan does incorporate his personal experience of creating the marketplace he is proposing, he also incorporates many hard facts into his presentation as well. While very contrasting in delivery, both speakers do an excellent job of conveying their ideas to the listeners