When you speak, do you think people listen to you? Do you think they understand–that they hear you? Ever watch a speech by former President Barak Obama? I just can’t stop listening. However, when my husband gives me the run down of the daily news, most times I totally tune out.
Why is that? According to Julian Treasure, there are many different aspects to a successful speaker ranging from tone of voice to subject matter. His TED talk presents some of the communication approaches that shut people down and those that open people up.
It is a talk that explores both the behavioural and mechanical aspects of speaking that I find rather interesting. Perhaps you and your students will too.
Pre discussion
- Name some of the people you love to listen to
- Why do you like them?
- Name some people you tend to tune out of.
The Video: TED Julian Treasure: How to speak so that people want to listen
- What are some of the behaviours or approaches that make listeners tune out?
- What are some of the tools in Treasure’s tool box?
- Do a little analysis of yourself. Which behaviours do you have that may put your listeners off?
- Do you use/have some of Treasure’s tools already?
- What could you adopt that may enhance your speaking without making yourself seem unnatural?
- Do you have any anecdotes of good and bad speakers (e.g. teachers, parents, bosses, etc…)
