Remember what you were doing on September 11, 2001, and compare it to September 11, 2002. Undoubtedly, your memory of the former date is more vivid. Remarkable moments like these are unforgettable, and if such a moment occurs during your presentation, your audience is likely to remember it and share it.

In 2009, Bill Gates gave a TED talk that became a viral sensation. The talk even grabbed the attention of NBC News anchor Brian Williams, who mentioned it on air. What made this talk so memorable? Gates’ presentation focused on the transmission of fatal diseases like malaria by mosquitoes. He held up a jar filled with live mosquitoes and declared that he saw no reason why only poor people should face the risk of infection. He then released the mosquitoes, clarifying that they were malaria-free. This extreme action made the talk go viral, with 2.5 million views on the TED website and 500,000 search results on Google.

However, it’s not just extreme actions that can set your presentation apart. Shocking statistics can also captivate your audience. As you prepare your presentation, look for compelling facts or statistics that support your argument. For instance, in popular TED talks, statistics like “In 1972, there were 300,000 people in jails and prisons. Today, there are 2.3 million. The United States now has the highest rate of incarceration in the world” (Bryan Stevenson) and “One in 100 regular people is a psychopath. So there’s 1,500 people in this room. Fifteen of you are psychopaths” (Jon Ronson) significantly enhanced the talks, making them more memorable and engaging.