Intrigue - How to Create Interest and Connect with Anyone: Sam Horn at TEDxBethesdaWomen

When asked the secret to life, E. M. Forster said two words, "Only connect."

Yet many of us don't. It's not that we don't want to; it's that we're not taught to.

In this interactive TEDx talk, Intrigue Expert Sam Horn shows how to earn the favorable interest and respect of customers, investors and decision-makers by finding out what's important to them .... and focusing on that FIRST.

Sam Horn, founder of the Intrigue Agency, is on a mission to help people create clear, compelling communications that connect. She works with entrepreneurs and executives from such organizations as Boeing, NASA, Capital One, ASAE, Cisco and EO to design and deliver one-of-a-kind legacy messages that matter. She also serves as a presentation/pitch coach for Springboard Enterprises which has helped startups receive $6.2 billion in funding.

Sam's books POP!, Tongue Fu! and the upcoming INTRIGUE have been endorsed by Seth Godin, Tony Robbins, Ken Blanchard and featured in New York Times, BusinessWeek, Washington Post, and Fast Company.


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)

[SamHornIntrigue]

Thank you for your valuable feedback.

I'm on a mission to show that speaking is not just about giving an excellent presentation. Even if it's well-done, that is still one-way communication.

It's about creating two-way communication and creating an interactive community where everyone has a chance to connect and contribute their insights and experiences.

Hope you have a priority project in mind and take notes as you watch this video so you can instantly apply its techniques to create interest, earn respect and win buy-in to your priority projects.  Enjoy!

[KDD]

She's like the 1/20 substitute teacher that every kid wants to come back

[richardboe]

yep, one of the best ted talks I've heard in a while, great mix of info and comedy and vocal pace.

[BlessedDanceGod]

Her ovation was much deserved, her 'pleasantness' doesn't feel as calculated as most who discuss these topics.. obviously she knows what she's doing and knows her craft (that's why she's teaching it) but at the same time it seems very sincere and easy absorb and learn - Great info, God bless you maam.

[AAvfx]

This is so true! Love life and love will love you back, is what I'm experiencing the last years as an artist! 😍🙏 The most important thing I've come to realize is that, in everything that you do in life, the energy that you feel while making it - passes on to others. 👌😇 So never loose faith in by thee!

[aquarianhealer]

This is exactly what compelled me to invite an acquaintance I met through facebook, and a common interest in a horse ranch, to a movie. Once upon a time, he had a zest for life and excitement, fast cars, and many friends. He is now in a wheelchair from an unfortunate accident and volunteers on a horse ranch that helps individuals with special needs. I invited him not only to expand my circle of friends with a compassionate human being, but to appreciate the experience of a simple thing such as going to a movie being confined to a wheelchair.  I believe that people could very easily learn a handful (ha) of signs so that if they encounter a deaf person, they could at least have minimal dialogue and help them feel connected to society.  Great talk!

[jessicabehrens]

Tomorrow is the day that I will meet the person who has the power to say yes and change my life completely, enabling my biggest dream to come true! Thanks a lot! From the deep of my heart, thanks a lot!

[ellatang]

Sam, You are so intriguing that I want to listen to you all the time. Thank you for the talk.

[leanalyden]

This has helped me talk to people alot. If we want to succeed we must intrigue! Love that. It reminds me of a quote that says, "People won't care how much you know until they know how much you care" learned alot Thank you.

[muhammadshoaib]

Undoubtedly one of THE best ted talks.

[benjaminmcgrand]

She might be the best speaker I’ve ever watched.

[alicefaye]

that hands down is the best ted talk I've seen in ages, BRILLIANT!!!

[lisacook]

Sam Horn's talk is both entertaining and informative. Watch it if you have a new idea, business or strategy and you want to convince others to jump on board! Thank you, Sam!

[marilynrabinowitz]

I have watched this a few times and now I am going to try and use it. What a wonderful speaker.

[IncomeBeast]

"If you love life, life will love you back" Great🌞

[heathersavage]

One of the best things I have EVER seen on the internet!

[SoDoneWithUsenames]

Excellent talk. And I could listen to her speak all day long!

[belindapruyne]

Love love love the step by step insights and advice!! Something I can really put into practice. Thank You Sam for sharing your brilliance and for being so intriguing!

[CIsays]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, I took notes! You know what else I figured out? A permanent smile and a great sense of humor goes a long way!

[leahgodson]

I really like this; so applicable. Thanks Sam, Intrigue Expert!