TED Talkin’: Sound researcher Julian Treasure teaches us how to be heard.

Listen up!

Julian Treasure is a communication expert and sound researcher, interested in harnessing the power of voice and sound for speakers, listeners and learners. 

His TED Talk, "How to speak so that people will want to listen", from 2013 is one of the most-viewed TED Talks of all time (a measly 47 million views and counting on YouTube). 

Upon first listen you might think “huh”—he gave me a few lists about ways that we misuse the voice, how powerful it actually should be and a handful of “tools” of the voice in order to execute our meaning more strategically. Big whoop.

But Mikey and Molly are here to recognize the storytelling that Julian employs is extremely powerful. He first sets up the world as is: the “deadly sins” of misusing speech and language—we’re all familiar with these and it builds rapport. Then he presents an idealized utopian vision with his acronym “H.A.I.L.”—the promised land for better use of language. But how do we get there? Well, next he provides the tools to unlock the “Happily Ever After.” 

Julian studies intricacies of how our brain takes in sound—down to details like the architecture of open-office plans and classrooms. So it’s rare to see such complex subjects so well executed in under ten minutes. 

Julian’s stage presence, pace and masterful economy of language (ie: says a lot in just a few words) have all earned him a spot as one of the most viewed TED Talks ever.

What’s in the Spice Cabinet? 

Watch Julian Treasure’s famous 2013 TED Talk:

• How to speak so that people will want to listen

Check out Julian’s books and other work on communications and sound research

• Here

Keep going down the rabbit hole! Julian’s 4 other TED Talks:

• The 4 Ways sound affects us (2009)
• Shh! Sound health in 8 steps (2010)
• 5 Ways to listen better (2011)
• Why architects need to use their ears (2012)

Julian’s walkout song? (according to Molly)

• The Sounds of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel