3 Ways to Express Your Thoughts So That Everyone Will Understand You | Alan Alda | Big Think

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine connection over mechanical communication tips. They advocate for a transformational process in communication, rather than relying on generic tips. The speaker outlines 'the rule of three': focusing on three key points, explaining complex ideas in three ways, and repeating difficult concepts three times for clarity. This approach is intended to foster a natural and engaging interaction with the audience, rather than following a scripted checklist.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The speaker prefers a transformational process over tips for effective communication, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection.
• 🗣️ Speaking tips like varying pace and volume can become mechanical and boring if not connected to the thought process and interaction with the audience.
• 🚶‍♂️ Coached actions like moving or pausing should be a natural part of the conversation, not just a script to follow.
• 🔄 The dynamic of a conversation should influence changes in speech, rather than being a checklist of tips to tick off.
• 👎 The speaker is not a fan of tips, but if pressed, they have three key rules they follow for effective communication.
• 📝 Rule one: Limit important points to three when speaking, to enhance memorability and focus.
• 🤓 Rule two: Explain difficult concepts in three different ways to provide a comprehensive understanding.
• 🔂 Rule three: Repeat difficult points three times throughout the talk to ensure they are understood and remembered.
• 📖 The speaker advises against reading from notes during communication, as it hinders genuine connection.
• 🧘‍♂️ Becoming a better communicator is a transformational journey, akin to going to the gym but more enjoyable due to the human connection involved.
• 😊 Embracing the joy of connecting with an audience can lead to the natural and effective application of communication tips.

Q & A

What is the speaker's general opinion about tips for communication and writing?

The speaker is not fond of tips for communication and writing, as they believe in a transformative process that leads to natural and effective communication rather than following mechanical tips.

Why does the speaker find the mechanical application of tips to be boring?

The speaker finds the mechanical application of tips boring because it lacks the dynamic interaction and connection with the audience, which should be the driving force behind the communication.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to following communication tips mechanically?

The speaker suggests that a genuine connection with the audience and a natural, thought-driven approach to communication are preferable to following tips mechanically.

What is the 'rule of three' that the speaker mentions?

The 'rule of three' is a personal guideline the speaker follows, which includes: 1) trying to convey no more than three important points in a conversation, 2) expressing difficult concepts in three different ways, and 3) repeating difficult points three times throughout the talk to aid understanding.

Why does the speaker advise against reading from notes during a conversation?

The speaker believes that reading from notes can hinder genuine communication, as it creates a barrier between the speaker and the audience, which they refer to as 'excommunication'.

According to the speaker, what is the purpose of repeating a difficult concept three times in a talk?

The purpose is to help the audience become familiar with the concept. The first time they hear it, they start to get used to it; the second time it becomes familiar; and by the third time, they are more likely to understand and accept it.

What does the speaker mean by 'transformation' in the context of communication?

Transformation, in this context, refers to a personal development process that enhances one's ability to connect with others naturally and effectively, making the application of communication tips automatic and genuine.

Why does the speaker compare the process of becoming a better communicator to going to the gym?

The speaker compares it to going to the gym to emphasize that it requires consistent effort and practice, but unlike the gym, it involves connecting with others, which is inherently more enjoyable and fulfilling.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between the tips and the ability to connect with an audience?

The speaker believes that tips should not be the starting point but rather a supplement to the foundational ability to connect with an audience. Tips should emerge from the connection, not be used as a checklist.

How does the speaker feel about the idea of using tips as a one-time advice for someone who already has a grounding in communication?

The speaker thinks that using tips as one-time advice might be okay for someone who has already developed a strong foundation in communication, but it should not be the primary method of learning to communicate effectively.

What is the speaker's final stance on the use of tips in communication?

The speaker's final stance is that while they personally follow certain tips, they emphasize the importance of a transformative process in becoming a better communicator, rather than relying solely on tips.