Julian Treasure on How to Speak and Be Heard – The Ideas on Stage Podcast

by Andrea Pacini —

Andrea and Julian

In today’s busy world, strong communication skills are more important than ever. I recently spoke with Julian Treasure, an expert in sound and communication, who shared his insights on speaking and listening with purpose. Julian’s experience as a renowned speaker and sound expert offers practical lessons for anyone looking to communicate better.

Meet Julian Treasure

Julian is widely known for his powerful TED Talks, which have over 150 million views — and one is the sixth most-viewed of all time! His focus is both on speaking well and on listening effectively. As he says, “You always speak into a listening.” In other words, great communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about understanding who’s listening, too.

Listening with Humility

Julian believes humility is essential for good listening. When we approach conversations with an open mind and a desire to learn, we connect better with others. And, just like speaking, listening is a skill we can all develop.

“The moment you think you’ve cracked it … that’s a dangerous moment.” – Julian Treasure

Essential Tools for Effective Speaking

Julian shared his “vocal toolbox,” a set of simple but powerful techniques for communicating well:

1. Breath Control

Your voice is powered by your breath. Practising deep breathing can strengthen your voice and improve control.

2. Posture

Good posture helps your vocal cords work efficiently. Imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head for a balanced stance.

3. Vocal Tone

Your tone impacts how others receive your message. Experiment with different tones to find a natural, confident sound.

4. Using Silence

Pauses add impact and let your audience absorb what you’re saying. Silence is a powerful tool.

5. Embracing Nerves

Julian views nerves as a sign of energy and excitement. He suggests using the “BESS” method — Breathe, Expand awareness, Stance, Smile — to calm yourself before speaking.

Recommended Books on Sound, Listening and Communication 

Julian also shared a few book recommendations on sound and listening:

* The Mysticism of Sound and Music by Hazrat Inayat Khan


* The Great Animal Orchestra by Bernie Krause


* Nada Brahma: The World is Sound by Joachim E. Berendt


* In Pursuit of Silence by George Prochnik


* A Book of Silence by Sarah Maitland


* TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson


The Power of Communication 

Julian’s advice highlights the importance of both speaking and listening. Improving these skills can transform relationships, boost career success and lead to personal growth. Whether you’re presenting to a crowd or chatting with a friend, good communication can enrich your life.

These are just a few of the valuable insights Julian shared. To learn more about his strategies for effective communication, I invite you to watch the full interview.

Want to learn more?