How to Speak So That People Want to Listen

Julian Treasure

TarotTED
How to Speak So That People Want to Listen

How to Speak So That People Want to Listen

by Julian Treasure

TEDGlobal20139 min

Have you ever felt like you're talking, but nobody is listening? Here's Julian Treasure to help you fix that. As the sound expert demonstrates some useful vocal exercises and shares tips on how to speak with empathy, he offers his vision for a sonorous world of listening and understanding. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2013 on June 10, 2013) If you love watching TED Talks like this one, become a TED Member to support our mission of spreading ideas: https://ted.com/membership Follow TED! X: https://twitter.com/TEDTalks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ted Facebook: https://facebook.com/TED LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferences TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tedtoks The TED Talks channel features talks, performances and original series from the world's leading thinkers and doers. Subscribe to our channel for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design — plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit https://TED.com to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations and more. Watch more: https://go.ted.com/juliantreasure https://youtu.be/eIho2S0ZahI TED's videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with our TED Talks Usage Policy: https://www.ted.com/about/our-organization/our-policies-terms/ted-talks-usage-policy. For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), please submit a Media Request at https://media-requests.ted.com #TED #TEDTalks #speech

Watch on TED

Tarot Mapping

King of Swords

King of Swords

A master of intellect and judgment who rules with fairness, logic, and ethical standards.

authoritylogicintegritydisciplinejusticetruthcommand

Why This Mapping?

The King of Swords is explicitly defined as the "Communicator" and the "articulate" figure of the Tarot, representing a master of language who can find "just the right words to express" himself. Just as Treasure provides a "toolbox" for powerful speaking (register, timbre, pitch), this card represents the "power of life and death" found in the ability to direct attention and communicate ideas with authority and clarity.

READ MORE ABOUT WHY THIS MAPPING...
Mastery of Articulation and Language Treasure's talk focuses on the mechanics and art of speaking to be heard. The King of Swords is described as a man of "creative intelligence" and a "Communicator" who thrives on the exchange of ideas. He operates when you find "just the right words to express yourself" and when you possess the "perfect verbal response to a situation". He looks for the "most economical collection of words" to convey his meaning, mirroring Treasure's emphasis on conscious, precise speech. The Element of Air and the Voice The suit of Swords is governed by the element of Air, which is described as "the bearer of the Message" and is associated with "speech" and "communication". Just as breath is the foundation of the voice, the Swords suit represents the "intellectual realm" and "communication". The King, as the master of this suit, uses this "mental energy of Air" to uphold the world through the "force of his personality," much like a powerful speaker commands a room. Authority and Command Treasure argues that we must speak with "authority" (one of the "A"s in his HAIL acronym involves Authenticity and standing in one's truth). The King of Swords represents "command," "authority," and "realizing intelligence". He sits in judgment and commands respect; when he speaks, "his people don't wince," distinguishing him as a true leader rather than a tyrant. Honesty and Integrity A core part of Treasure's message is avoiding the "seven deadly sins" of speaking, such as lying and gossip, and embracing "Honesty" and "Integrity." The King of Swords "always signifies honesty" and "conscientious" behavior. He is committed to "intellectual honesty" and the "need to put knowledge into practice," compelling those around him to "recognize and hold to the truth".

Reflection Questions

  • Where do I need to apply more logic?
  • Am I being fair to myself and others?
  • How can I establish order in this situation?