In Tom Thum’s TED Talk “The orchestra in my mouth” (TEDxSydney 2013), he shows the audience how he can create an entire orchestra of sounds using just his mouth and surprising beatboxing techniques.

Speech outline

• Topic: The potential of the human voice

• Opening: Thum tells a joke and then demonstrates some basic beatboxing techniques, gradually increasing the pace and showing off bizarre and otherworldly sounds.

• Key Idea 1: Beatboxing can be used to create different beats and styles of music, layering sounds together to create complex rhythms and melodies.

• Key Idea 2: Pursuing a career in beatboxing has not been easy, but it has been worthwhile.

• Key Idea 3: Beatboxing can be used to tell stories about history and geographic locations.

• Closing: Thum leaves the audience with a final performance, pushing the boundaries of what they think is possible.

Public speaking techniques

• Conciseness: Thum’s words are brief and energetic. Because he uses so few words, what he does say draws attention and becomes that much more memorable.

• Props: Thum wears sunglasses in his opening to add intrigue and suspense. He spotlights his microphone and other wired sound equipment as part of his performance.

• Body language: Thum uses hand gestures to illustrate the sounds he’s creating.

Why is this TED Talk important and relevant?

There’s must be a reason Tom Thum has the #1 most-viewed TED Talk!

Thum is a human beatboxing sensation who has captivated audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent. He uses what most all of us have (lips, tongue, teeth, vocal cords) and produces a symphony. Vocal percussion. Hip hop. There seems to be no limit to what he can do with his beatboxing skills. Thum is one of a few famous beatboxing acts, including Eklips and Berywam (who rose to fame on AGT).

As one YouTuber commented, “This guy has unlocked all potential voice boxes available.”

👉 Check out the full list of the most popular TED Talks all time.

Bonus talk

Thum returns to the stage for a science-based exploration of beatboxing.

Tom Thum, “What happens in your throat when you beatbox?” (TEDxSydney 2018)

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