University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
How to Speak So That People Want to Listen
Video

How to Speak So That People Want to Listen

Julian Treasure
Thinking Digital Conference, 2016
Watch the video

Read or listen offline

Amazon Kindle
  • 0.5×
  • 0.75×
  • 1×
  • 1.25×
  • 1.5×
  • 1.75×
1×

Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Though everyone has a voice, few get formal training in how to use it. But in a world in which people are bombarded with information, getting your voice to cut through the noise and land on listening ears can be difficult. Communication expert Julian Treasure gives his audience an extensive list of techniques to improve the power of their speaking. In so doing, he educates his audience on why speaking powerfully is a life skill worth developing.

Summary

The human voice holds immense potential to effect change in the world.

The human voice is the world’s most powerful sound. It is the only instrument that can declare war or say “I love you.” Yet few people gain formal instruction on how to use their voice. School curricula emphasize reading and writing over speaking and listening. Thus, many people find that their voices go unheard in a world of noise. Take charge to make your speech powerful and engaging.

Improve your chances of being heard by avoiding bad habits that minimize the impact of your words.

Four human foibles, which stem from fear, rob speakers of a powerful voice. Some people try to outshine or impress others in a conversation to look good. Some crave to be right or to prove a point, which leads to dogmatic interactions. Others are people-pleasers, who say merely what they think others want to hear. And some, known as fixers, try to avoid or dissipate conflict, even when a discussion could lead to progress.

Avoid the seven deadly sins of conversation...

About the Speaker

Julian Treasure is a sound and communications consultant. He has delivered several TED Talks, including “5 Ways to Listen Better” and “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen.”

Comment on this summary