I have chosen this video for my Speaking Insights email this week.
“How to Speak So That People Want to Listen” – Julian Treasure
Why this matters:
Julian doesn’t just tell us how to speak in this talk – he shows us. I’ve used these techniques with hundreds of clients, and they work every time. Here’s what to watch for:
- Notice the ‘register drop’ at 3:45 – when his voice deepens to add authority. I’ve seen people transform their presence just by mastering this technique.
- Look out for his ‘pace sandwich’ throughout – faster for stories, slower for insights, then back to story pace. This rhythm keeps audiences hooked.
- The silence before his key point at 7:20 is magical – I call this the ‘power pause’, and it’s become my clients’ secret weapon.
- Watch how he uses his voice like a dial, turning up the energy then down for intimacy. It’s like he’s having a thousand one-to-one conversations.
If you enjoyed this… try
“Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” by Amy Cuddy
– watch how she uses pace to make complex science feel like a conversation over coffee.
Or
“The Human Voice” by Patsy Rodenburg
– a masterclass in how theatre techniques can transform business speaking. Her three levels of presence will change how you think about connecting with any audience.
And if you want to get videos like these plus quick-to-apply tips and other insights, then make sure you sign up for Speaking Insights, delivered to your mail box every Thursday.