How can we speak so people will actually listen?
In his TED talk, Julian Treasure outlined how we can all become more powerful speakers. He gave a lot of great advice, though what I liked most were his suggestions for improving the content of what we say. Julian encouraged us to avoid the seven deadly sins of speaking:
Gossip
Judgment
Negativity
Complaining
Excuses
Embroidery
Lying
Dogmatism
Think about the last time you had a conversation (or what was supposed to be a conversation) with someone who exhibited at least one of these behaviors. Perhaps the experience felt like a lot of work and left you drained. How did you react? What do you remember? Are you looking forward to speaking with that person again?
Julian suggests that the anecdote to the seven behaviors is to communicate using HAIL instead:
Honesty
Authenticity (standing in your own truth)
Integrity (do what you say)
Love (wish people well)
Let’s all make a conscious effort to avoid using the seven sins and instead HAIL when we speak. This way, we will be able to both speak and listen more powerfully.