How to use one paper towel | Joe Smith | TEDxConcordiaUPortland

R. P. Joe Smith served as a District Attorney in Umatilla County and nearly won a race for Oregon Attorney General without taking a single contribution over $99.99. He is a former chair of the Oregon Democratic Party and is active with several local nonprofits.

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)

[chancellor]

People were applauding this man for drying his hands. Beautiful.

[corey]

There are all these super high level ted talks about psychology, economics and whatnot out there from the most successful people out there and yet, after all these years, this is the only ted talk i think of EVERY TIME i dry my hands with one paper towel after shaking my hands dry 12 times. I have been doing this for so many years now. Cheers to this guy.

[randomcommentor]

You can feel in his voice, that he has lived all his life to tell us this wisdom

[Matt_Rose]

If I’d been rehearsing this big presentation for ages and then walked on stage and instantly said the wrong figure, I’d personally have burst into tears and simply walked off.

[QuestionsTV]

The first time I watched this video, I thought, "I can't believe I'm watching this." Then I washed my hands and all I could think of was this video. Five years later, I've shared it with tons of friends and clients, and I don't think I've washed my hands without thinking of this video since. This is a fantastic video.

[tconline]

I remember watching this and coming away thinking "This was a TED talk?" Now, a couple years later, I have to admit I use his 'technique' every work day, using probably half as many paper towels as I used to. Sometimes the simple things are the biggest ideas.

[jdw-fswt]

It allows intershtersteshielal suspension

[JesusFan]

12 times... I've been doing 11, no wonder...

[flourbvoy]

I have actually do this every single time since I watched this video. And it's been years. Thank you, Joe Smith.

[Zenoasis]

Just watched an old man wash his hand for 4 minutes.

[rachaelauer]

This is the only Ted talk that has literally changed my way of life

[iarebrown]

He'll be happy to hear that 10% of people simply don't wash their hands. Zero paper towels!

[milsumla]

this is the person who really sets out to make the changes he can for the better of society

[KevinJantunen]

This, honestly, is the most memorable Ted Talk I have listened to and the one which lessons I always apply to my day-to-day life.

[datinyne]

Saw this about a year ago.. ever since then, I do the shake and fold... it works.. it's amazing! I pass it on to everyone I know!

[beautifulmind]

I saw this video years ago and I literally always think about it when I’m in a public restroom now. Pretty awesome, this guy must have made some kind of impact as I’m surely not the only one!

[IZRRL]

Most useful talk I've seen on TEDx so far. :D

[katiekawaii]

It's a special kind of genius to rethink something we take for granted so completely, like drying our hands with a paper towel, and yet these little innovations have such monumental impacts.

[elmohead]

I use my shirt to dry my hands, then step outside. My shirt then dries in 2 seconds because I live in Australia.

[maxschulz]

I admire this talk so much, it has been... i dont know, maybe 4 years from the first time that i saw it, and every time that i am in a public space washing my hands, i think about this talk...