The best physics public speakers - #2 Carl Sagan

Contrast this style with Feynman. Each word carefully and almost poetically chosen. No notes, and simply a very professional public speaking style. Here the power seems to be in his understated passion and eloquence. This is a style I'm not sure I could ever replicate. Again, another accomplished physicist/astronomer who had the special ability to take science to the layman. (Thankfully for this physics fan who was exposed to his writings and TV specials while growing up).

On a personal note, I was fortunate to speak with him while at Cornell - you could feel his presence fill the room. Intelligent, confident, but again very understated in his presentation. Effective pauses in his speaking style. While Feynman excites the audience, Sagan subdues them into an almost trance-like focus on his words. You get the feeling if you stop paying attention for a moment you will have missed something of incredible importance.



Here's a great example - don't have to view the whole thing - of Sagan addressing questions about science from Congress. I am simply amazed at the eloquence and that subdued style of his in light of the weight of his audience. References very simple analogies about technology in the room in simple terms - again knows his audience. Asks one member to identify himself to make personal connection.