Jordan Peterson on "How To Become Articulate" - BEST ADVICE

Summary

To become articulate, read extensively and write daily for 15 minutes over years to refine your thinking. Effective speaking requires knowing much more than you present and viewing your audience as individuals. Engage with them personally to gauge their reactions and adjust your communication accordingly. Aiming to be a good communicator is invaluable, enhancing success in any field, including trades. The ability to think, write, and speak clearly, as emphasized by a liberal education, is crucial for effective negotiation and overall success.

Takeaways

• 📚 Regular reading and writing can greatly enhance your articulation skills.
• 🧠 Knowing much more than you speak about makes you a more effective speaker.
• 📖 Synthesizing information comes from extensive reading.
• 🗣️ Speak to individuals, not to a group as a whole.
• 👀 Pay attention to your audience's feedback to gauge their engagement.
• 🗨️ Engage in a conversation with your audience, even if they are not verbally responding.
• 🔍 Observing individuals' reactions can help you adjust your speaking approach.
• 📈 Aiming to be a good communicator is a crucial step in improving your skills.
• 🎓 Effective communication is invaluable across all professions and areas of life.
• 🤝 Successful negotiation skills, bolstered by good communication, lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Q & A

Why is it important to read and write regularly?

Reading and writing regularly helps to articulate thoughts clearly and straighten out thinking over time.

How much time should one dedicate to writing each day to improve articulation?

Dedicating about 15 minutes each day to writing can significantly improve articulation over the years.

Why should a speaker know more than they plan to say in a lecture?

Knowing much more than what is planned for the lecture allows the speaker to elaborate and navigate through the material more effectively.

What is the main challenge for beginning lecturers at universities?

The main challenge is that they often only know as much as they are presenting, which makes them rely heavily on their notes and limits their ability to engage deeply with the material.

What are the benefits of viewing an audience as individuals rather than a group?

Viewing an audience as individuals makes it less intimidating and helps the speaker to engage more personally and effectively with each person.

How can a speaker use audience feedback during a talk?

A speaker can use visual and behavioral feedback from the audience, such as expressions of confusion or interest, to adjust their delivery and engagement.

What should be the primary goal of a speaker when addressing an audience?

The primary goal should be to engage in a conversation with the audience, rather than delivering a one-sided talk.

Why is being a good communicator valuable in any profession?

Good communication skills enhance one's effectiveness and success in any profession by improving interactions and negotiations.

What is the economic value of being able to think, write, and speak effectively?

The economic value is incalculable, as these skills are essential for success in negotiations and overall professional competence.

How does good communication contribute to successful negotiations?

Good communication ensures that all parties are satisfied with the outcome, leading to more opportunities and successful collaborations.