3 Reasons to watch this talk: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

1) Uses specific details to bring each story to life so that we can both picture and feel those moments.

2) Has made a clear decision about the heart of her talk, and from this strong place is able to lay in nuance and complexity, on both a micro and a macro level – personal and professional, local and global.

An issue with some commencement speeches (and other ‘inspirational’ talks) is that they suffer from being vague in concept. This can lead to weakness in structure and potential impact.

By contrast, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie literally says ‘If I were asked the title of my address today…’ and names it… ‘Above all else, do not lie.’

3) The talk is wonderfully textured in tone and structure. It is honest and direct. It is playful and poetic. It deftly interweaves statements, challenges, questions, quotes, stories, images, observations.