Sometimes a talk is inspiring, not because of the power of the delivery, but because of the power of the idea.  Jacek Utko is a Polish newspaper designer, and he gives a brief TED talk telling his story in a quiet, almost deliberately uncharismatic way.  His eye contact with the audience is spotty, he wanders the stage, and he makes tight, self-protective gestures that don’t include the audience. 

But he’s figured out how to save the newspaper.  And in a 6-minute talk, he shares his inspiration – Cirque de Soleil – his vision – newspapers that are incredibly eye-catching – and his determination.  He managed to achieve as much as 100 percent increases in newspaper circulation with his brilliant designs, with not much money, no staff, and no attention at all from the design world.

Until he started winning awards.  One of his newspapers was awarded the “Best Designed Newspaper in the World,” by a major design competition, and Jacek has now designed newspapers all over Eastern Europe.  And all of them are thriving. 

In 6 minutes, Utko robs you of all your excuses and leaves you with the challenge never to do merely good work.  It’s an inspirational message that should be heard by a much wider circle than designers alone.