In sales and brokerage, getting people to actually listen to what you’re actually saying is the difference between a conversation that goes somewhere and one that ends quickly.
The TED Talk “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen” is one we have every new hire at CRE OneSource watch. Here are my takeaways:
What Pushes People Away
This TED talk identifies “seven deadly sins” of speaking that disconnect the listener: gossip, judging, negativity, complaining, excuses, lying, and dogmatism. These habits create distance between the speaker and the listener, making it easy to tune out.
What Draws People In
- Honesty: Be clear and truthful.
- Authenticity: Speak from your own perspective.
- Integrity: Follow through on your words.
- Love: Wish others well in the way you communicate.
These principles don’t just shape what you say, they shape how people experience your words.
Delivery Makes a Difference
Words or content alone isn’t enough. Tone is equally as important, and learning to use it changes how others respond. There are six key tools: register, timbre, prosody, pace, pitch, and volume. Mastering them transforms delivery from flat to engaging.
“Tone is an instrument, learn how to use it and people will listen.” – Sam Absalom
Charlie Coppola
