Learning Objectives & Warm-up
Learning Objectives
Identify Speaking Pitfalls
Recognize and avoid the seven deadly sins of speaking
Master the HAIL Principles
Apply honesty, authenticity, integrity and love to your speech
Develop Vocal Power
Utilize vocal tools like register, timbre, and prosody effectively
Warm-up Discussion
Video Content & Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
The human voice is the most powerful sound in the world
Avoid the seven deadly sins of speaking
Embrace the HAIL principles for powerful speech
Master your vocal toolbox for maximum impact
Video Notes
- The voice can start wars or say "I love you" (00:45)
- Seven deadly sins make people stop listening (02:30)
- HAIL principles: Honesty, Authenticity, Integrity, Love (05:10)
- Vocal tools: Register, timbre, prosody, pace, pitch, volume (07:40)
- The six vocal warm-up exercises (13:20)
The Seven Deadly Sins of Speaking
1. Gossip
Speaking ill of somebody who's not present. This immediately destroys trust and credibility.
2. Judging
Making others feel inadequate through critical opinions. People shut down when they feel judged.
3. Negativity
Constant pessimism and complaining. Emotional vampires drain energy from conversations.
4. Complaining
Chronic dissatisfaction expressed verbally. This creates a toxic atmosphere that repels listeners.
5. Excuses
Shifting responsibility and blame. People lose respect when you don't own your mistakes.
6. Exaggeration & Lying
Embellishing truth or outright deception. Once trust is broken, people stop listening entirely.
7. Dogma
Confusing facts with opinions. Rigid thinking prevents meaningful dialogue and connection.
The HAIL Principles
H - Honesty
Be true in what you say. Speak from your authentic experience and avoid exaggeration.
Practice: "In my experience..." rather than "Everyone knows..."A - Authenticity
Be yourself genuinely. Don't try to be someone you're not - people can sense authenticity.
Practice: Share personal stories and genuine emotions when appropriate.I - Integrity
Be someone others can trust. Do what you say you'll do and stand by your word.
Practice: Make commitments you can keep and follow through consistently.L - Love
Wish others well genuinely. When you speak with goodwill, people feel it and respond positively.
Practice: Focus on how your message can benefit your listeners.Your Vocal Toolbox
Register
Speak from your chest for authority and power. Avoid speaking from your throat or nose, which sounds weak.
Timbre
The way your voice feels. Rich, warm voices are preferred. Breathiness and vocal fry are less appealing.
Prosody
The meta-language of speech - rhythm, emphasis, and intonation. Monotone speaking is deadly boring.
Pace
Speed of speech. Vary your pace for emphasis. Slow down for important points, speed up for excitement.
Pitch
High or low voice. Use the full range available to you. Monotone pitch kills engagement.
Volume
Loudness of your voice. Gain attention by getting quieter as well as louder. Silence is powerful too.
Six Vocal Warm-Up Exercises
- Deep breathing: Arms up, breathe in; arms down, breathe out with "Ahhhh"
- Lip exercises: "Ba, ba, ba, ba" to warm up your lips
- Tongue exercises: "La, la, la, la" to exercise your tongue
- "Ma, ma, ma, ma" to warm up your facial muscles
- Roll your R's: "Rrrrrr" like a motor starting
- Siren: "We" going from high to low pitch like a siren
Speaking Practice
Practice Activities
Create a 2-3 minute presentation incorporating all four HAIL principles. Choose a topic you're passionate about and demonstrate Honesty, Authenticity, Integrity, and Love in your delivery.
Practice using the vocal tools from Julian Treasure's framework. Demonstrate variation in register, timbre, prosody, pace, pitch, and volume while delivering the same message.
Practice delivering constructive feedback or addressing a difficult topic while avoiding all seven deadly sins. Focus on staying positive, honest, and solution-oriented.
Complete Julian Treasure's six vocal warm-up exercises and then deliver a short presentation. Notice the difference in your vocal quality and confidence.