How to speak so that people will listen.

A friend pointed me in the direction of an excellent TED talk (link below) by Julian Treasure. It is entitled: “How to speak so that people will listen.”

The following jumped out at me as I watched it:

The seven deadly sins of speaking:
1. Gossip.
2. Judging.
3. Negativity.
4. Complaining.
5. Excuses.
6. Lying.
7. Dogmatism.

I broke most of these in a conversation with Charlie, our other minister, just before watching this! And what did I achieve? Maybe dragged someone else down in order to elevate myself. I don’t know about you but I really struggle to hang around people who display these characteristics. They are the people who make my heart sink when I see them coming towards me. Imagine if we all decided to ban these from our mouths…

What you say:
1. Honesty: Aim to be clear and straight with people (this will be couched in love).
2. Authenticity: Be yourself.
3. Integrity: Be your word. If you say it then follow through and do it.
4. Love: Wish the other person well.

This should HAIL (see what he did there!?) from us.

Maybe I’m being too simplistic but here’s what I see.
o In the context of Jesus’ life on earth I see the religious leaders, who were always on the back of this rebellious troublemaker – as they saw Jesus – displaying the seven deadly sins often, in their desire to silent.
o In Jesus I see what we should say – He was honest, authentic, filled with integrity and drenched in love.

I know what I sometimes am and what I desire to always be. How about you?

It is well worth 9 minutes 58 seconds of your time!

http://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_how_to_speak_so_that_people_want_to_listen

Yours because of Jesus – Neil.

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