In a previous article, I shared my top communication TED talks about crafting a message. This time I want to share some of the best communication TED talks about body language, voice, and speaking when you aren’t comfortable.
TED Talks and TEDx Talks are fantastic sources of education, inspiration and ideas. With over 3000 talks to choose from, there is a lot of information to sift through. It can be difficult to find the right talk about your topic.
Learn from some of the best. Enjoy the thought leadership from these world-class experts on communicating at work.
Your body language may shape who you are
- Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are
- Duration: 21 mins
- Description: Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that ‘power posing’ — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can boost feelings of confidence, and might have an impact on our chances for success.
- Why this related to communication at work: Sometimes we need to communicate in an environment that is uncomfortable. For some people this might be presenting to a room full of people, for others it might be the 1:1 conversation on a difficult topic. This TED talk provides great advice for anyone wondering how to mentally prepare for the conversations that worry us the most.
How to speak so that people want to listen
- Julian Treasure: How to speak so that people want to listen
- Duration: 10 mins
- Description: Have you ever felt like you’re talking, but nobody is listening? Here’s Julian Treasure to help. In this useful talk, the sound expert demonstrates the how-tos of powerful speaking — from some handy vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy. A talk that might help the world sound more beautiful.
- Why this related to communication at work: This talk is not about content or how to structure a message, it is about how to deliver the message in a way that improves the chances of people listening. Even if you have a clear, concise message, you can still fail to deliver it if you speak in a way that turns people off (e.g. monotone droning). If you have learned how to create clear message content, this talk will help you deliver it with vocal clarity.
How to make stress your friend
- Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend
- Duration: 14 mins
- Description: Stress. It makes your heart pound, your breathing quicken, and your forehead sweat. But while stress has been made into a public health enemy, new research suggests that stress may only be bad for you if you believe that to be the case. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal urges us to see stress as a positive, and introduces us to an unsung mechanism for stress reduction: reaching out to others.
- Why this related to communication at work: Kelly talks about how we react to stressful situations, including situations like speaking in public and giving presentations. She provides an alternative perspective to the theory that stress is bad, and gives some great advice for how to turn those nerves and racing heart into a force for good, a way to motivate and empower you. If you are about speak in public or are worried about telling a senior leader something has gone wrong on your project, this talk might give you a way to turn that stress into a positive boost.
