How to Speak So That Others Want To Listen
Expert do’s and don’ts of speech
In a world full of distraction, how do you make sure you are heard?
In 2013, Julian Treasure told us exactly how to do that, after delivering one of the most viewed TED talks of all time.
During this 10 minute master piece, he broke down some key nuggets to follow when speaking. He also coined the ‘7 deadly sins,’ which are to be avoided, as well some powerful foundations to follow when trying to deliver your message
How can we speak powerfully, to make change in the world? Check out this summary below:
The 7 Deadly Sins - Avoid at all costs!:
Gossip
"Speaking ill of somebody who's not present. Not a nice habit, and we know perfectly well the person gossiping, five minutes later, will be gossiping about us."
Judging
"...it's very hard to listen to somebody if you know that you're being judged and found wanting at the same time."
Negativity
"My mother, in the last years of her life, became very negative, and it's hard to listen. I remember one day, I said to her, 'It's October 1 today,' and she said, 'I know, isn't it dreadful?'"
Complaining
"Well, this is the national art of the U.K. It's our national sport. We complain about the weather, sport, about politics, about everything, but actually, complaining is viral misery. It's not spreading sunshine and lightness in the world."
Excuses
Exaggeration
"[Exaggeration] demeans our language...For example, if I see something that really is awesome, what do I call it? And then, of course, this exaggeration becomes lying, and we don't want to listen to people we know are lying to us."
Dogmatism
"The confusion of facts with opinions. When those two things get conflated, you're listening into the wind."
The Cornerstones of Powerful Speech:
HAIL! A nifty little acronym to live by. Treasure goes on to demonstrate the importance of solid foundations - if we stand on these our speech will be well received.
Honesty: Be true, straight and clear in what you say.
Authenticity: Be yourself.
Integrity: Be your word. Do what you say. Be someone you can trust.
Love: Wish others well.
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The Toolbox:
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. For example, speaking from the chest, rather than the throat, can make a significant difference. There are also some other technical aspects which, we will leave the video below to delve into a little more…