This Is How You Become More Articulate

Summary

In this insightful transcript, the speaker emphasizes the importance of articulate speech as a powerful tool for effective communication and personal growth. They argue that being articulate is not just about speaking well but also about aligning one's words with their true beliefs, fostering genuine and compelling interactions. The speaker encourages individuals to practice thoughtful speech, listen to themselves, and engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to personal development and success.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Articulate people are considered dangerous because they can effectively communicate and persuade others.
• 💬 Articulation in speech is compared to the articulation of joints, allowing for a range of motion and expression.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of literacy and articulate communication in all professions, including trades like plumbing.
• 🌐 Our culture values the word as a tool to create order from chaos, and articulate individuals can contribute to this cultural value.
• 👦 The speaker criticizes the lack of emphasis on teaching articulate communication to young men, which he sees as a disservice.
• 🎤 Admiration for rap musicians often stems from their articulate performances and ability to create compelling poetry.
• 🤝 Being articulate is linked to success in various fields, including military leadership, where communication is key.
• 🧘‍♂️ The process of becoming articulate involves self-reflection and careful attention to the words one uses, much like feeling one's way through a swamp.
• 📝 To improve articulation, one should practice speaking the truth, read great literature, and write about topics that interest them.
• 🤔 The speaker suggests that pausing and asking genuine questions can lead to more interesting and meaningful conversations.
• 🌟 Authenticity and honest inquiry in communication can pave the way to personal and professional success.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest is the most dangerous quality a person can possess?

The speaker suggests that the most dangerous quality a person can possess is being articulate, as it allows one to communicate effectively and persuasively.

Why does the speaker believe that articulate people are dangerous?

The speaker believes articulate people are dangerous because they can express their thoughts and ideas compellingly, which can influence and persuade others, and potentially lead to significant impact.

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of literacy and articulate speech in one's career?

The speaker emphasizes that literacy and articulate speech are crucial regardless of one's profession, as they enable effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.

According to the speaker, why should educators emphasize the importance of articulate speech to young men?

The speaker argues that educators should emphasize articulate speech because it can make young men competent and influential, equipping them to be forces to be reckoned with in their future endeavors.

What does the speaker suggest is the alternative to being articulate?

The alternative to being articulate, as suggested by the speaker, is to be inarticulate, which can lead to being unable to formulate strategies, elucidate visions, or compel and convince others effectively.

How does the speaker describe the process of becoming more articulate?

The speaker describes the process of becoming more articulate by paying close attention to one's speech, feeling one's way with words, aligning language with personal integrity, and practicing thoughtful communication.

What role does the speaker believe language plays in culture and societal order?

The speaker believes that language plays a central role in culture and societal order, as it is through the power of words that habitable order is extracted from chaos and possibility.

Why does the speaker mention rap musicians as examples of articulate individuals?

The speaker mentions rap musicians as examples of articulate individuals because they often demonstrate extraordinary articulation in their performances and spontaneous poetic expressions, which young people admire.

What is the connection the speaker makes between articulate speech and strategic thinking?

The speaker connects articulate speech with strategic thinking by stating that being articulate allows one to plan strategically, as it involves clear communication and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.

How does the speaker define 'articulate' in the context of the speech?

In the context of the speech, the speaker defines 'articulate' as the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, with precision and grace, which is a sign of differentiation and strength.

What advice does the speaker give for improving one's articulate speech?

The speaker advises to listen to oneself, eliminate fillers, take time to craft words carefully, practice expressing truths, read great literature, and write about one's thoughts and problems to improve articulate speech.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ The Power of Articulate Speech

The speaker emphasizes the importance of articulate speech, drawing an analogy between articulate joints and articulate speech that allows for effective communication. They argue that articulate individuals are more capable and dangerous in a positive sense, as they can negotiate, introduce, and advocate effectively. The speaker criticizes the lack of emphasis on literacy and articulate speech in education, particularly for young men, and suggests that being articulate is a cultural necessity for order and progress. They highlight the admiration society has for articulate performers like rap musicians and the necessity of articulate speech for strategic thinking and leadership, as exemplified by a former special operations soldier named Jaco Willink.

05:02

📚 Becoming Articulate: A Journey of Self-Mastery

This paragraph delves into the process of becoming articulate, suggesting that it starts with paying close attention to one's speech. The speaker uses the analogy of walking on a path through a swamp to illustrate the careful selection of words. They reference Carl Rogers, emphasizing the importance of aligning speech with one's identity and the value of genuine communication. The speaker encourages self-reflection on the impact of one's words, the elimination of filler language, and the practice of crafting words carefully. They recommend reading, writing, and engaging in deep thought about problems as ways to improve articulation, framing it as a moral endeavor and an adventure of personal growth.

10:05

🌟 Articulation as a Divine and Growth-Oriented Practice

The final paragraph discusses the spiritual and transformative aspects of articulate speech. The speaker suggests that mastering one's tongue is akin to treating the word as divine, and they propose that the power of the word can create habitable and good order. They encourage full commitment to the belief in the divine power of words and highlight the importance of honest inquiry in conversation. The speaker promotes the idea of pausing to reflect on one's true thoughts before speaking, which can lead to interesting and growth-promoting conversations. They cite Joe Rogan as an example of someone who successfully embodies this approach, asking questions out of genuine curiosity rather than for personal gain, leading to a path of success through exploratory dialogue.

Keywords

💡articulate

Being articulate refers to the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively. In the context of the video, it is emphasized as a crucial skill that can make one dangerous in a positive sense, meaning capable and influential. The speaker uses the term to highlight the importance of clear communication, stating that articulate individuals can negotiate, introduce, make a case, and advertise their services effectively. The video underscores that articulate speech is not just about speaking well but also about thinking clearly and strategically.

💡compelling

Compelling in this video script means having the power to influence or affect someone strongly. It is used to describe the impact that articulate speech can have on others. The speaker suggests that being articulate allows one to be compelling and interesting, which can lead to successful communication and the ability to persuade or convince others. The term is used to illustrate the potential outcomes of mastering the art of articulate speech.

💡integrate

Integration, as used in the video, refers to the process of combining different elements into a whole. The speaker mentions that aligning what one says with who one is, as suggested by Carl Rogers, is a form of integration necessary for effective communication. This concept is integral to the theme of the video, as it ties the act of speaking articulately with the authenticity and integrity of the speaker.

💡genuine

Genuine in the video script implies being authentic and true to oneself. The speaker connects the concept of being genuine with the ability to communicate effectively, suggesting that when one's words align with their true self, they come across as genuine and trustworthy. This keyword is used to emphasize the importance of honesty and authenticity in the process of becoming articulate.

💡strategy

A strategy, in the context of the video, is a carefully thought-out plan to achieve a specific goal. The speaker argues that articulate individuals can formulate strategies effectively, which is crucial for success in various aspects of life, including leadership and problem-solving. The term is used to show that articulate speech is not just about speaking but also about the ability to think and plan strategically.

💡elucidate

To elucidate means to explain or clarify something so that it is easier to understand. The video emphasizes the importance of being able to elucidate a vision or a plan, suggesting that articulate individuals have the ability to make complex ideas clear and understandable to others. This keyword is used to highlight the power of clear communication in leadership and education.

💡instrumentality

Instrumentality in the video refers to the use of language as a tool to achieve a specific end or goal. The speaker contrasts this with the use of language for its own sake, suggesting that true articulate communication should be more than just a means to an end. The term is used to critique the use of language that is manipulative or insincere, advocating for a more genuine and thoughtful approach to speech.

💡pausing

Pausing in the video is presented as a deliberate act of taking time to think before speaking. The speaker suggests that pausing can lead to more thoughtful and meaningful communication. It is portrayed as a way to ensure that one's words are reflective and genuine, rather than reactive or preconceived. The concept is used to illustrate the importance of mindfulness in communication.

💡humble

Humble, as used in the video, means having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance. The speaker praises the humility of someone like Joe Rogan, who asks questions without an agenda, seeking to learn rather than to impress. This keyword is used to contrast with arrogance and to highlight the value of an open and inquisitive mindset in communication.

💡exploration

Exploration in the video refers to the act of investigating or searching for information or meaning. The speaker encourages the audience to engage in exploratory conversation, where questions are asked with genuine curiosity and the goal is to discover rather than to prove a point. This keyword is used to emphasize the importance of open-mindedness and the pursuit of understanding in communication.

💡golden pathway

The 'golden pathway' in the video is a metaphor for the journey of personal and professional success that comes from being guided by honest inquiry and speaking the truth. The speaker suggests that this path is not just about achieving success but also about living a life of integrity and authenticity. This keyword is used to inspire the audience to pursue a life of articulate communication and self-discovery.

Highlights

The importance of articulate speech as a form of differentiation and strength.

Articulate speech compared to the grace of a well-articulated body.

The complexity of speech as a motor activity and its potential for danger.

The lack of education in articulate speech, particularly among young men.

The choice between competence and articulateness versus vagueness and uselessness.

The role of articulate speech in various professions, including plumbing.

The cultural supremacy of the word in creating order from chaos.

The necessity of articulate speech for effective communication and leadership.

The admiration for rap musicians as examples of articulate performance.

The link between articulateness and success in various fields, including the military.

The transformative power of becoming articulate for personal and professional growth.

The process of becoming articulate by paying attention to one's own speech.

The analogy of walking on a path of stones to describe the careful choice of words.

The importance of aligning language with personal integrity as taught by Carl Rogers.

The discovery of the speaker's own weaknesses in language and the journey to articulateness.

The practice of crafting words carefully and the value of reading and writing for articulation.

The moral endeavor of becoming articulate and mastering one's own tongue.

The concept of the 'Divine word' and its role in creating a habitable and good order.

The power of honest inquiry and the importance of reflective communication in conversations.

The example of Joe Rogan's success through exploratory conversation and genuine questions.

The pathway to success through guided honest inquiry and truthful communication.

Transcripts

you once said the most dangerous person

is one who is articulate

what would you recommend to a one who

wants to learn to speak in a more

articulate manner

well articulate is an interesting word

eh because if your joints are

articulated

and that means you can do things with

them

because they're articulated right

they're not one solid vague Mass

they're differentiated

and someone who's graceful is

articulated

and compelling because they're

articulated and

speech is a form of articulation in that

manner because

the act of speech itself is extremely

complicated it's a very complicated

motor activity right it's very

complicated action to

dance with your tongue let's say

and

it is definitely the case that there is

no

more

exceptional form of

the capacity to be dangerous than to be

articulate and one of the things that

really shocks me and part of the reason

that my son and I

and our co-workers developed this essay

app is that

young men in particular are never taught

this

it's like well why learn to why be

literate

well do you do you want to be do you

want to be competent and dangerous or do

you want to be vague and useless

because those are your options and I

don't care what your job is

it doesn't matter what you end up doing

no if you're a plumber with great

respect for plumbers by the way and

you're articulate you can negotiate with

your clients you can introduce your

co-workers you can

you can make a case for your employees

you can you can advertise your services

you can think through your problems

your your

firing on all cylinders

in our whole cultures based on the idea

of the supremacy of the word our whole

culture is based on the idea that it is

the word itself that extracts habitable

order from chaos and possibility

and and the reason our culture is

predicated on that

is because it's a deep truth and to the

degree that our culture actually

embodies that it works

so

it's a great thing to be articulate

and it would be so lovely if our

Educators were wise enough to

communicate this appropriately

to young men

who are striving forward and to let them

know in no uncertain terms that if they

want to make themselves into forces to

be contended with

that there's no surer route to that then

an exceptional poetic literacy now it's

not like young people don't have

intuition of this there are reasons they

admire rap musicians for example who are

often extraordinarily articulate in

their performance and their

capacity for spontaneous poetic

utterance and certainly

the greatest people I've met including

great warriors

you might say

are great in no small part because

they're articulate I know

a former special

Services Special Operations Soldier Jaco

willink some of you might know about

charcoal he's got a pretty decent online

following and you know he's about four

feet wide and about three feet thick and

he's one tough son of a I'll tell

you you don't want to mess with him and

he knows perfectly well and is very

capable of articulating the fact that

his success as a eminent Warrior is in

no lar no small part dependent on his

ability to communicate

because he could communicate well he

could listen to the men

who were under his command because he

was articulate he could explain to his

superiors the situation on the ground

because he was articulate he could make

a case that the men under his command

who were deserving would be promoted

because he could think in an articulate

manner he could plan strategically and

not lose battles

okay so that's the case for being

articulate and what's the alternative

you want to be inarticulate you want to

say ah and like and um and pause and

stumble and and and be unable to

formulate a strategy be unable to

elucidate a vision be unable to compel

and convince other people to entice them

with with your with your articulated

vision of what might be you want the

opposite of that

that's why would you want that you would

you you would you would choose

awkwardness over Grace

that's

it's preposterous

it's

Beyond foolish and I cannot understand

for the life of me why this case isn't

made in a compelling manner particularly

to young men and I know it's not being

articulated to young men because they're

dropping out of the educational realm in

droves

and it's unbelievably sad so

how do you become articulate

well

by paying attention to what you say

that's a good start and what do I mean

by that

I mean pay attention

to what you say

so

you can you can you can think of this as

an analogy

so

imagine that you're trying to walk

across a swamp and the swamp is

murky but you know there's a path you

know there's a path of stone under the

water but it twists and moves and if you

stay on the path you won't drown the

crocodiles in the swamp won't devour you

and as you walk forward you can feel

with your

with your next step where the stone

might be

and then you feel it solid then you take

that step and then you do the same thing

with your foot again you search and and

you find out what saw it and you step on

it and you move forward in that manner

that's what you do with your words

it's the same thing

you feel and you you feel

is this

the right word how is it is the fact

that I'm uttering it putting me together

and making me

intact and stronger or is it

tearing me apart and making me dissolute

and weak

and and you can learn to do that

I learned this in part from Reading Carl

Rogers who's a great clinician and

Rogers believed that

the integration of language in action

was a necessary precondition for

operation as an effective clinician that

you had to

align what you said with who you were

and that one of the things that your

clients would be evaluating you for was

that

capability

and you might say that someone with that

capability

manifest themselves as genuine and

trustworthy

and

and more than that I would say also as

compelling and interesting although that

can be gamed but

the entire combination

that emerges out of

the domain of articulate

communication can't be gamed it's

not not easily

you feel your way

I noticed 40 years ago when I started

thinking these things through that

much of what I said actually made me

feel weak I didn't know why exactly but

sometimes some of the things I said

didn't have that effect they weren't

accompanied by a sense of Shame let's

say they weren't accompanied with a

sense of vulnerability

they were solid and at the beginning

that was probably only about five

percent of what I said the rest of it

was instrumental you know it was

language I was using to get my way in

the manner that Tammy described when she

introduced me tonight there was an

arrogance in my use of language that had

to do with the desire to attain proximal

victories right to appear smart let's

say to win an argument something like

that a very different idea than merely

feeling my way along to see what word

was appropriate for what moment

and but you can learn to do that

and you can listen to yourself and you

can stop humming and hawing and using

like and you know and fillers and you

can take the time necessary to craft

your words carefully and you can

practice

merely saying what you believe to be

true

and you can read

and you can read great writers and you

can write and you can write about what

you think about the problems that obsess

you

and you can become articulate as a

consequence and there'll be nothing

about that that isn't the adventure of

your life

and so it's a moral Endeavor in some

real sense right to become articulate is

to become the master of your own tongue

and

to become properly articulate is to

is to make the word divine

and to treat it in that manner

and to decide whether or not you believe

that it is the case that the Divine word

creates the order that's habitable and

good and if you do believe that

well if you don't believe that then what

do you believe

and if you do believe that well

go all in

see what happens

see what happens if you become

articulate

[Applause]

I'll I'll give you one more small

example Tammy touched on this in the

introduction too she said she'd learned

to pause

you can pause it's it's a prayerful

pause in some sense

when you're in a discussion with someone

you can ask yourself

they might present you with a question

or a conundrum or a proposition and

instead of responding with what you know

to be right so to speak you could just

ask yourself what do I actually think

about that

but it has to be a real question it has

to be the kind of question that you'd

posed to someone you didn't know

it has to be a question predicated on

the idea that you might not know who you

are

and that you could ask and so someone

will present you with a question you

think okay

what do I think about that

but you have to want to know the answer

and then the answer will make itself

known

because that's how thought works and

then you can just communicate that

answer

and and if you do that you'll be

interesting right away

you'll be interesting to the person that

you're talking to and if they do that to

you they'll be interesting too and then

if you both do that you'll have an

interesting conversation and if you have

an interesting conversation you'll both

grow as a consequence and that's

actually the pathway to growth

and you just wait you can wait you can

open yourself up to the possibility that

what needs to be said will make itself

manifest if that's what you

are striving for

if that's what you're asking for and

then you can merely communicate that you

have to abandon instrumentality to do

that so one of the reasons Joe Rogan is

so successful by the way

is that that's what Joe does

he just asked questions

he doesn't he isn't trying to get

something from his guests he's not

trying to become more famous he doesn't

need any more money there's no

instrumental utilization of language in

his discourse he's just

a humble lunk head you know in the most

profound sense

who would like to know more than he

knows

and who asks all the stupid questions he

can think up

and it turns out that he's actually very

very smart and

and very well educated now from after

talking to hundreds and hundreds of

people and listening and so the stupid

questions he asks aren't stupid and

they're questions that are shared by

virtually everyone who's listening and

he takes his listeners Along on this

process of exploratory Endeavor and it's

the pathway to success

and the same thing can be true of your

life

the pathway to success is

is much

it's a

if you're Guided by the spirit of honest

inquiry and every word you say is

reflective of what you believe to be the

truth then the pathway that you walk on

is a golden Pathway to success

and and I I know that I know that to be

true