The Importance Of Being Inauthentic: Mark Bowden at TEDxToronto

The fifth annual TEDxToronto conference took place on September 26, 2013 at The Royal Conservatory of Music.

For our 2013 TEDxToronto Conference, all talks, performances and demos were rooted in our selected theme, "The Choices We Make."

About the Speaker:
Mark Bowden is an expert in human behavior and body language, and creator of TRUTHPLANE™, a communication training company and unique methodology for anyone who has to communicate to an audience with impact. Mark gives keynote speeches worldwide on persuasive verbal and nonverbal language and communication structures to stand out, win trust and profit when you speak. Mark's publications are bestselling Winning Body Language (McGraw Hill 2010); Winning Body Language for Sales Professionals (MH 2012); and Tame the Primitive Brain (Wiley 2013).

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[JamesStinehart]

this is low key one of the best ted talks I've heard

[susanblake]

I've become acquainted via YouTube with Mark Bowden from his participation on The Behavior Panel. I think he's really smart, funny, and thoughtful. All of these qualities are displayed well in this TEDx Talk.

[marthaalexander]

Mark is so charismatic, brilliant, and entertaining. Just love him and the rest of the Panel.❤

[mtthomason]

I LOVE the head nod without the usual “Thank you” at the end. It gives off “magician after he nails his magic trick” vibes (and so do the arms he uses as he walks off the stage). I love it! He is as much a performer as he is an intellectual, or at the very least, he has most definitely chosen to appear that way to us. Bravo.

[cexargzm]

In my opinion... He is right! I used to be authentic and realized that is was taking me nowhere. Being "inauthentic" does not mean being dishonest but changing our mindset for our own betterment.

[dottie]

Wow. Masterful. I'm at 16:15 and watching Marks descension from displaying competence, vulnerability and empathy in body language and facial expressions, to the opposite was awesome. Suddenly, no smile, minimal eye contact, hands down or in pocket, agitation, aggressive stance. Love it.

[GlenOrsak]

This is a great counter-balance to the conventional messages of this era that being authentic and real is a one-way ticket to betterment. As with all betterment ideas, balance and intention is the often the best approach. Perhaps being inauthentic - but with good intentions - can become our authentic self with practice.

[saviplays]

The more views this video gets, the more brilliant the world becomes.

[Irish__Clan]

Given that mankind is the most dangerous beast, Mark’s message of inauthenticity is a good one.

[aizareptails]

mark Bowden is amazing. one of the best ted talk ever for me

[redelfshotthefood]

If you broadcast friendliness, you will find the world a much richer and beautiful place.

I broadcast happiness when I visited places and found the locals to be absolutely charming. I’ve also been places where I’ve been more guarded and found it indifferent.

Mark is so right. Doors will open for the friendly that don’t exist for the indifferent.

[tomcherryhomes]

June 2016: 98K views? This should have 98 Million views - it's brilliant!

[twirlingparasol_]

I love Mark so much. He has a brilliant mind and way of communication. This was a great speech!

[mightytinwhistler]

Just finished reading his book and already using these techniques with great success. I am a corporate trainer and am always speaking to people.

[AllABoardYouth]

Great way to demonstrate the paradox and bring us back to our choices. We all yearn for connection but wait for others to start it or notice us. This brings home the profound effect of reaching out to the person near us. Well said

[chianismo]

This is a TEDx Talk, that doesn't only speak to those searching for authenticity, but also to the people who have seemingly found it. What a perfect guide to self reflection.
Knowledge, humor, and charisma. Thank you, Mark.

[danielastockfleth-menis]

I guess we shouldn't go around letting people know how authentic we are. Excellent TEDx Talk.

[celebrity_rooster]

Stay away from anyone who tells you "to succeed, you have to be fake".

[nitekat]

holy moly! I totally just stumbled across this one when looking for body language videos! He is amazing! and that was brilliant! and ive watched Ted talks for years.

its also ironic how many teachers, lecturers, politicians and even public speakers have the body language that Mark intentionally adopted half way through the talk, and don't realise why nobody listens to them!!

[stevegwizzle]

can already see me applying this to my life and making a big change in it.