How To Speak So That People Want To Listen

In a world filled with noise, how do we ensure our voices are heard? Julian Treasure, a sound expert, shares insights on effective communication in his TED Talk. He emphasizes the importance of speaking with intention and clarity, offering practical tips to enhance our vocal presence and connect with our audience.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid the seven deadly sins of speaking.
• Embrace the four cornerstones of powerful speech.
• Utilize vocal tools to enhance your delivery.
• Practice vocal warm-ups before important conversations.

The Power Of The Human Voice

The human voice is an incredible instrument. It can start wars or express love. Yet, many people feel unheard when they speak. Why does this happen? How can we change that?

Seven Deadly Sins Of Speaking

Treasure identifies seven habits that can undermine our communication:

1. Gossip: Speaking ill of someone not present.
2. Judging: Making others feel judged during conversations.
3. Negativity: Constantly focusing on the negative.
4. Complaining: Spreading misery instead of positivity.
5. Excuses: Blaming others instead of taking responsibility.
6. Embroidery: Exaggerating or lying, which erodes trust.
7. Dogmatism: Confusing facts with opinions, making it hard to listen.

The Four Cornerstones Of Powerful Speech

Instead of these negative habits, Treasure suggests focusing on four positive cornerstones, which spell HAIL:

• Honesty: Be true and clear in your words.
• Authenticity: Be yourself and stand in your truth.
• Integrity: Follow through on your words and be trustworthy.
• Love: Wish others well, which helps reduce judgment.

Tools For Effective Speaking

Treasure emphasizes that how we say something is just as important as what we say. Here are some tools to enhance your speaking:

• Register: Use different vocal registers to convey authority.
• Timbre: Aim for a rich, warm voice. Consider voice coaching if needed.
• Prosody: Vary your tone to keep listeners engaged. Avoid monotony.
• Pace: Adjust your speed for emphasis. Slow down for important points.
• Silence: Don’t be afraid of pauses; they can be powerful.
• Volume: Use volume strategically to capture attention.

Vocal Warm-Up Exercises

Before any important conversation, it’s crucial to warm up your voice. Here are six exercises to try:

1. Deep Breaths: Inhale deeply and sigh out.
2. Lip Trills: Go “Ba, Ba, Ba” to warm up your lips.
3. Tongue Twisters: Exaggerate “la, la, la” to engage your tongue.
4. Roll Your R’s: This helps with articulation.
5. Siren Exercise: Glide from a high pitch to a low pitch with “weeeaawww.”
6. Applause: Give yourself a round of applause after warming up!

The Importance Of Conscious Communication

Treasure concludes with a thought-provoking idea: What if we all spoke powerfully to those who were listening? Imagine a world where sound is designed consciously, leading to better understanding and connection. This vision is worth striving for.

In summary, by avoiding negative speaking habits and embracing honesty, authenticity, integrity, and love, we can transform our communication. With the right tools and practice, we can ensure our voices are not just heard, but truly listened to.

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