5x TED Speaker Gives You Communication Advice | Julian Treasure | How to Be a Better Human | TED

Overview

Julian Treasure, a five-time TED speaker and expert on sound and communication, shares actionable advice on how to speak effectively, listen consciously, and create meaningful connections. He emphasizes the interplay between speaking and listening, the power of silence, and the importance of authenticity in communication.

Notable Quotes

- The relationship between speaking and listening is circular. The way I speak affects the way you listen, and the way you listen affects the way I speak. – Julian Treasure, on the dynamic nature of communication.

- If you're ever not sure what to do with your face, try smiling. – Chris Duffy, on the transformative power of a simple smile.

- Listening is the foundational skill, and it’s in danger in the world today. – Julian Treasure, on the societal consequences of poor listening.

🎙️ The Power of Delivery in Communication

- Julian Treasure highlights that both content and delivery are essential, but delivery can elevate how a message is received. He likens speaking to giving a gift, emphasizing the importance of presenting it beautifully.

- Visualization techniques, like imagining giving a gift to a child, can help speakers focus on generosity and connection rather than self-consciousness.

- Authenticity is key: speakers should embrace their natural style rather than imitating others.

🛠️ Practical Tools for Better Listening

- Treasure introduces the RASA method for effective listening:

- Receive: Pay full attention to the speaker.

- Appreciate: Use small gestures like nodding or smiling to show engagement.

- Summarize: Reflect back what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.

- Ask: Pose open-ended questions to deepen the conversation.

- Silence is a critical tool for resetting listening skills. Treasure recommends finding moments of quiet to recalibrate and improve focus.

🔄 The Circular Relationship Between Speaking and Listening

- Communication is a two-way street: how we speak influences how others listen, and vice versa.

- Being conscious of the listening you're speaking into allows for adaptive communication. For example, adjusting tone, pace, or vocabulary based on the audience’s engagement.

- Treasure warns against assuming others listen the same way we do, advocating for empathy and adaptability.

🌍 The Decline of Listening in Modern Society

- Treasure laments the global decline in listening, linking it to polarization, trolling, and a lack of empathy.

- He stresses that listening is not just a skill but a societal necessity, capable of bridging divides and fostering understanding.

- His TED talk on listening has been viewed far less than his talk on speaking, reflecting a cultural bias toward being heard over hearing others.

💡 Techniques for Speaking with Impact

- Treasure’s acronym HAIL outlines the pillars of impactful speaking:

- Honesty: Be clear and straightforward.

- Authenticity: Be yourself—don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

- Integrity: Follow through on your words.

- Love: Approach communication with goodwill and generosity.

- Silence is a powerful rhetorical tool. Pausing after key points allows ideas to resonate with the audience.

- Humor can be effective if authentic to the speaker’s personality, but forced jokes risk falling flat.