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

3 Ways to Express Your Thoughts So That Everyone Will Understand You
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Alan Alda doesn't want you to take "pro tips" from anyone-not even Alan Alda. When it comes to his area of expertise-public speaking and empathetic communication-there are no hacks or shortcuts; if you want to be a world-class public speaker, you have to earn those stripes through the process of deeply understanding what it is to talk, listen, and connect. Alda calls tips intellectual abstractions; it's akin to the difference between information and knowledge, between parroting a few words in French and speaking the actual language. But, when pushed by yours truly at Big Think, Alda does give up the goods (willingly-we promise no Alan Aldas were harmed in the making of this video). His best tip to become a better communicator is what he calls the three rules of three. Listen to his practical hints for becoming a communication pro but, as he remarks, try to get there organically through the process. Alan Alda's most recent book is If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?
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ALAN ALDA:
Alan Alda has earned international recognition as an actor, writer and director. In addition to The Aviator, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, Alda's films include Crimes and Misdemeanors, Everyone Says I Love You, Flirting With Disaster, Manhattan Murder Mystery, And The Band Played On, Same Time, Next Year and California Suite, as well as The Seduction of Joe Tynan, which he wrote, and The Four Seasons, Sweet Liberty, A New Life and Betsy's Wedding, all of which he wrote and directed. Recently, his film appearances have included Tower Heist, Wanderlust, and Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies.
He helped found the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University where he is a Visiting Professor, helping to develop innovative programs that enable scientists to communicate more effectively with the public. He originated The Flame Challenge, a yearly international competition for scientists in which they compete to explain complex scientific concepts so that 11-year-olds can understand them. Since 2008, he has worked with physicist Brian Greene in presenting the annual World Science Festival in New York City, attended since its inception by over a million people. He has won numerous awards for communicating science from the National Academy of Sciences, the American Chemical Society, and the National Science Board.
Alda was born in New York City, the son of the distinguished actor, Robert Alda. He began acting in the theater at the age of 16 in summer stock in Barnesville, Pennsylvania.
During his junior year at Fordham University, he studied in Europe where he performed on the stage in Rome and on television in Amsterdam with his father.
After college, he acted at the Cleveland Playhouse on a Ford Foundation grant. On his return to New York, he was seen on Broadway, off-Broadway and on television. He later acquired improvisational training with "Second City" in New York and "Compass" at Hyannisport. That background in political and social satire led to his work as a regular on television's "That Was the Week That Was."
His wife, Arlene, is the author of nineteen books, including her latest, Just Kids from the Bronx. An award winning professional photographer, her work has appeared in a number of magazines and books. They have three daughters and eight grandchildren.c
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TRANSCRIPT:
Alan Alda: I don't really like tips; tips about communicating well, tips about writing. What I would prefer is a process that transforms you so the tips take place automatically.
I mean for instance, very often a tip is given: “When you're speaking to a crowd, vary the pace of your speech, vary the volume.”
Well, those are two good things, but if they happen mechanically it gets to be kind of boring. Some people are encouraged when they're coached: “At this point leave where you're standing and walk over there and take a pause.”
Well, maybe that makes sense in terms of how it's written; at the end of that paragraph you want to make a space before the next paragraph, but it doesn't necessarily make sense in terms of how you're talking and relating to the people you're talking with.
That-relating to them-should be the source of a pause, the source of moving, because it comes out of the thought process I'm going through and it comes out of the thought process I sense you're going through. Have you understood that last...
Read the full transcript at bigthink.com/videos/alan-alda...

[@bigthink]

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[@curtiscarpenter9881]

Understand the time your spending together with the other person, know who your talking to and why, be clear even repeat vital facts. Agree to have the same info as said put forward in writing to back up what you say. Record a conversation too if it's that important.

[@LiamDangerPark]

Smarter, faster and _____ ?

[@freelancer4302]

Big Think, you did not mention the no.1 performance of Alan, which was the TV series: M*A*S*H

[@dianasilva9683]

Diana Silva Cheers for the Video clip! Excuse me for chiming in, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you considered - Tarbbatigan Judicious Shopping Tip (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a good one off guide for learning how to check used car history minus the normal expense. Ive heard some great things about it and my cooworker after a lifetime of fighting got great results with it.

[@itzakehrenberg3449]

I hope that, one day, I can become a big thinker just like you. Stay humble!

[@phishfearme2]

the 3 key items of any presentation: - tell them what you're gonna tell them - tell them - tell them what you just told them

[@pupper6044]

Sounds like trump lmao

[@ulmmini]

introduction body and conclusion

[@ninjabreadgirl]

Love it

[@letsthink7862]

❤️

[@starmaster9105]

😂

[@beproductivegoldenman8669]

1 • Make it simple. Keep the talk around 3 core subjects; 2 • Make it clear. Explain the information with 3 different perspectives; 3 • Make it stick. Recall the concept at least 3 times during your speech.

[@RjeanUrah]

this needs more likes

[@larrynguyen85]

Great summary right there

[@LyricalBreakdown]

What are some examples of how this is done?

[@arthurwieczorek4894]

On point #2: Express your thought or concept as thesis and as antithesis, IE , this--not that.

[@Pa_Trk]

Could you pleas tell me what you mean whit "recall the concept"?

[@crooklynbaby08]

As a dance teacher, we were taught to teach by the rule of 3. 1) Show them the move 2) Explain the move 3) Do the move with them

[@huahuahua280]

Thank you!

[@lastyhopper2792]

explaining the move: So this move is called x, it is usually used to attract the opposite sex in mating season...

[@Sams_Uncle]

This is real First principle thinking in action. Amazing!!

[@lindsaymorrison7519]

A professional educator of educators liked to explain it this way: 1. I do. 2. We do. 3. You do.

[@Enginerosemusic]

I can feel myself dancing

[@moonbeanification]

"Tell them what you're gonna tell them. Then tell them. Then tell them what you just told them."

[@IbrahimSharara1]

Good tip

[@paulembleton1733]

First lesson I learnt as a trainer. Also the second and third lessons.

[@ceckataceckata5357]

That's basically what a master thesis is

[@bigheadcreative6631]

you're just repeating the same thing three times

[@jenynz5334]

Every single essay...

[@yadielar]

3 things, 3 times, 3 ways

[@abcd123906]

Yadiel Arroyo Thank you!

[@mulan7015]

Yadiel Arroyo I know it's werid to say this but you're so handsome.

[@jpgrumbach8562]

You dirty young man.

[@Nokitfer]

Mouth vagina and anus

[@quill444]

I get it! Three things! It's like Gym, going to the Gym, with my friend, Jerry. - j q t -

[@CptnRollo]

VIDEO SUMMARY: Alan Alda discusses the "3 Rules of 3" when writing or presenting to an audience: --1) PICK 3 ITEMS - stick to 3 because they won't remember more --2) SAY IT 3 WAYS - saying it from different angles will add clarity and understanding --3) SAY IT 3 TIMES - repetition helps them remember it Sorry, this guy sounds like he was rambling a bit, and I found myself losing focus, then couldn't tell exactly what he was getting at... Hopefully this helps someone else!

[@sunandrain98]

Daniel Rollõ thank you so much!

[@thiagovilla970]

Thanks

[@ellnino]

Daniel Rollõ 3x3x3=27 Thats a lot of talking... just keep it simple and fun :)

[@RonaldWeasleysWife]

Daniel Rollõ Thank you, this helped me a lot by saving time in my day!! Blessings to you, friend 😘🌟

[@thierryprinston4390]

Daniel Rollõ thanks man

[@MikeBragg1]

A college professor used a similar method: 1. "I'm going to tell you what I'm *going* to tell you, 2. Then I'm going to tell you. 3. Then I'm going to tell you what I *told* you." Brilliantly simple method (also following the rule of 3) that still sticks with me. Real nice to see that Alan Alda would approve.

[@mrz.3]

Can you please explain more

[@notsodumb1243]

So you just explained the same thing three times over? Kinda sounds ed

[@rollerblader5350]

1. "I'm going to tell you what I'm going to tell you, 2. Then, I tell them. 3. Then I'm going to tell you what I told you."

[@samLODGER]

H Hhh b h ymh8nmgn ;!mn ybmvd7p😊😊😊0c pp😅😅😅l😅

[@javiermachin1]

“We are built to connect to another person” ... so true.

[@allancoffee]

But we are also build for using our boobies, eh i mean bodies... 😂

[@jedrashidul6952]

I'm an aspie lol. Can't relate.

[@spooderman4082]

We were formed from dust in space we werent built to do anything in specific

[@budgieterminal7426]

that's the dumbness of the crowd where is the most agree with the surrounding noises regardless their own true feelings.

[@pook5114]

I been trying to tell that to my monogamous girlfriend!🤦🏽‍♂️🥴

[@jessstuart7495]

Here are my views on effective communication. 1. You must understand the material well enough to anticipate and address the kinds of questions your audience will have. 2. Structure your presentation with a top-down approach; Higher level concepts first, leading to the more complicated details. 3. Explain any abstractions and assumptions you are making along the way. 4. Give examples. 5. Define terms that may be unfamiliar to your audience. 6. Stay on-topic and avoid going off on tangents. 7. Preview what you are going to tell your audience, tell them, then review what you told them. 8. Avoid using rhetoric as a smart audience will see right through you. 9. Tell a personal story. If appropriate, lighten the mood by including humor. 10. Make eye contact with your audience. 11. Vary your speech patterns to hold the audience's attention. 12. Add pauses in to allow your audience time to process what you've just told them. (Take a sip of water) 13. Speak clearly, and at a moderate pace. 14. Use your hands while speaking to emphasize your points. 15. Don't just read power-point slides to your audience. They can read for themselves!

[@vickmackey24]

Jess Stuart - Great tips. Thanks!

[@sunandrain98]

Jess Stuart thank you so much!

[@seanhardy_]

15 tips???? should have used three....

[@thiagovilla970]

That's more than three

[@anthonynorman7545]

If you start with higher level concepts, how will they understand what you're talking about?

[@BizarreSuzanne]

Years ago, I was taught the "rule of threes"...which is to first, tell them what it is that you are going to tell them; and then tell them about it all, whatever it is; and lastly, tell them what you have told them...the repetition of that regimen should help the subject info to sink into thick skulls...grins, including one's own...

[@omranhashim1028]

That’s what I do essays

[@elizabethtamp1537]

My old lecturer and friend, once said: "When dealing with students: tell them once, tell them twice and then a third time and they may just grasp it." He was the best lecturer in the University.

[@dragon237]

Basically school essays, finally something useful school teaches

[@furtherstudies1456]

Also, this is THE FORMAT that IELTS Academic demands: 1. Pick 3 topics (or 3 reasons to justify your opinion) 2. Provide 3 examples for each of those 3 reasons. 3. To sum up, use as little words as you can for the 3 reasons so that you end up using not more than 1 or 2 sentences in conclusion.

[@jenniegem510]

People posting their notes and summary from the video is extremely good and I find it really helpful and smart.

[@jenniegem510]

Because not only it will help them to remember it but also whenever they will rewatch this video they will have their notes on the top of the comment section. Another benefit is it will help others to save their time

[@Keepit10011]

The fact he was using The technique and I almost missed it while he was talking is pretty incredible.

[@DarthDefiler]

Alan Alda has hard candy in his jacket pocket. I can almost guarantee it.

[@feliciablackburn9196]

DarthDefiler 😂😂😂😂

[@SantaBarbaraSongbird]

Butterscotch

[@danielgorzelniak3209]

I bet he's got 6 newborn kittens in his basement.

[@adlsfreund]

I have important information for you: Free speech doesn't mean you should utter every debased impulse that goes through your head.

[@downo]

@@adlsfreund calm your tits

[@cmw7916]

When I was a dance teacher, I found that to get all the students to learn the combinations, 1. Some related to it by counts 2. Some by description of movement 3. Some by the visual + music flow 4. But NO one could learn it if I made them change their regular chosen position in the room.☀️

[@wittymystic7361]

This absolutely doesn't work for everyone. I've had instructors demand we change regular seats in non-dance situations. It is very difficult for those of us with disabilities to come early to find the best spot that would help us learn only to have it pulled out from us by someone who has caught the wave of the latest learning trend.

[@iamthatiam363]

When I go to sizzlers I couldnt enjoy my meal unless I was at my usual table in same area every time☺

[@davidkentlondon]

That may be true .... but I think that, if you want to bring an edge to a performance, performers need to feel slightly uncomfortable or challenged and changing positions or speed or whatever (maybe after they’ve learned something and when it’s starting to feel like it’s being done on autopilot) may bring a little magic back.

[@shahidnyker2900]

No 4 is really interesting

[@shahidnyker2900]

@@wittymystic7361 that's why she said you must not change students' positions

[@Mongo5hg]

Authenticity is key. Limiting your point of interest to 3 to have clear and concise speech. Create multiple analogies to explain difficult ideas 3 times. Do it naturally and with charisma and confidence. Build the skill of communication through exercise of natural conversation and connection. Thank you, Alan Alda!!!

[@fylkasalitheias7451]

Honestly, an eye opener. I don't do talks or presentations, but knowing these 'tips' now, it made my life better as I always had the bad habit going into details without creating a structure when talking with someone. Not only would they get confused, I would also lose track of what I was talking about. Really helpful! Thanks!

[@claritynow]

'I don't like tips. Here are my 3 tips.'

[@howiedune3099]

Todd McCall I don't like the news. I still watch it. Make sense?

[@bobbyfischer604]

I don't like going to school, still I go there everyday. Sometimes, you're forced to do something, either by yourself or by the circumstances.

[@SM-lt8yr]

Todd McCall ALL HELLYWOOD PEOPLE ARE 'IDEAL' HYPOCRITES, BRAINLESS, BIGOTS! THE MOST HILARIOUS EXPERIENCE IS TO MEET ANY RANDOM HELLYWOOD ACTOR OR PRODUCER OR DIRECTOR AND THE GARBAGE THAT WILL COME OUT OF THEIR MOUTH IN FEW MINS WILL MAKE U WONDER AS TO WHY WHY WHY DID U WATCH THEIR BS CONTENT SINCE BEING BORN!

[@JoeSims1776]

@@SM-lt8yr take your meds buddy

[@carpediemarts705]

3:50 on... He mentions that three tips don't make you a better communicator, that becoming better is a process, and that communicating is about connecting with people. So many KZbin commenters pick apart one statement they don't like, often out of context, and then deride (or debride) the poster.

[@musicmanley]

I watched this video 3 times.

[@drcubix]

And yet we shall never understand

[@KelseyMcLeodKM]

3 years ago

[@Sammasambuddha]

Ha ha ha

[@kickmonlee3390]

I watched it at 3 times speed

[@a.k.7116]

😂

[@eanmdphd]

When I was an ER physician, one of the nurses asked WHY DO YOU TELL THE PATIENT EVERYTHING 5 TIMES? My immediate reply: 1st time: they do not even hear it 2nd: they do not want to hear 3rd: they are beginning to understand there is a problem 4th: they hear it 5th: they might have a question

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

As a patient, I have found that the questions come, unfortunately, after I've let the information sink in. Which is always after I've left the doctor's office. And being in the ER is even more stressful. After all, a person is usually in the ER because a medical issue came up unexpectedly.

[@trinether_alt550]

1. 3 ideas at max 2. Use 3 vantage points per idea. 3. Repeat it 3 times.

[@johnblystone2936]

I love your work Alan Alda: this is great, thank you so much for this and for all your work. We need more people like you.

[@onaughto]

I respect Alan Alda. Used to watch MASH as a kid with my pop.. They always had these moments when Hawkeye Pierce (played by Alda), would wax philosophical or basically just have an emotional moment. I loved those little moments and this kind of reminded me of that.

[@evangeline9969]

Norin Radd I'm with you

[@scottheaton8469]

Telling Klinger he couldn't have his section 8 but he looked fabulous in sequins.......trying to get Father Mulcahy to drink and gamble.....trying to get Radar laid.......hitting on Hot Lips Hoolihan just to piss her off.........I learned lot from that show growing up.

[@WilliamCase]

This is what KZbin is for. Getting great advice from people with the experience to know what is effective.

[@anthonysanlucas6437]

One of my favorite actors of all time. He is of the old era of actors who maintain their dignity and his acting ability has often left me speechless. Fun fact, Alan Alda was an artillery officer during the Korean War. The Officers Basics for Artillery School is one of the most academically challenging in the military. He’s no slouch.

[@atwaterpub]

Tony Robbins says people are Kinesthetic, Aural, or Visual. Describe a concept with physical sensation, sound impressions, and a visual look and everyone will understand and remember what you were talking about.

[@themalihaariel]

This sounds intelligent and straightforward. Thanks 😊

[@andrewsealey2236]

This is true but we are biased by our tuning. I was taught when interviewing to be watch just how the person is communicating what they wish to express. I see what you are saying (visually focused), I hear what you are saying (Aurally focused) and I know how you feel (tactile focused). Being able to identify which of the three you are being faced with you can build a bridge of trust and repour a lot quicker. One of those funny human psychological quirks.

[@williamedmuntyote183]

how do you describe software with a physical sensation

[@andrewsealey2236]

@@williamedmuntyote183 As your question was vague I will assume you mean software with a bio feedback mechanism in which case it would be kinaesthetic or tactile. If I am wrong please provide a bit more of a detailed description with an example.

[@atwaterpub]

@@williamedmuntyote183 how does using it make you feel? fast? complex? deep? in control?

[@ShineMetallicaDown]

This was a genuine teaching. I already loved the man when he said "I don't like tips". Listen to people, learn what worked for them, and make your own way of doing things eventually.

[@marcd1981]

I was a technical instructor for many years and this resonated with my experience when teaching difficult subject areas. When I was first hired as an instructor, what was really hammered home was a method to get the material across: 1. Tell your audience what you are about to teach them. 2. Teach the subject area(s) per the syllabus. 3. Tell your audience what they just learned (your summary and this video's suggestion to repeat (3) times). But as Alan pointed out, you really need to work on being able to connect with people so you have a more natural way of speaking to them. They don't want someone to read to them, either, as they can do that on their own. You need to speak in a normal conversational style, learn your audience's strengths and weaknesses and work with them to get the material across so they really understand it.

[@jadegreen1554]

Love this man’s voice. So comforting. Even though I don’t know the kind of person he is, his voice is rooted deep in my system since childhood as comforting.

[@glennleader8880]

My mentor/tutor once told me when he found out that I was asked to give a lecture, "tell 'em what you're go to tell 'em, then you tell 'em, then you tell 'em what you've just told 'em". It's good advice I've used many times over the years.

[@dhippstarr]

That's the basic formula of an essay too.

[@michaelernst5390]

Awesome name Dude

[@TheBigJawn]

This man is like every kind grandpa you've ever come across put into one person. I completely agree with him, when people want to genuinely connect to an audience and want to have fun with it then they simultaneously become more comfortable doing it and improve their skills the most and fastest. It becomes natural. Great video.

[@TymBenn]

What a library of treasures Alan Alda is

[@randywise5241]

It helps to have a good vocabulary too. You don't need big words no one understands, but the more words you know the better to say what you want. Reading a lot helps. The more knowledge you have on a subject the better .

[@courtneyruth196]

Alan Alda's experience of speaking and being listened to, is very different from the average persons, I would think.

[@vickmackey24]

Wow, I never knew Alan Alda was this smart and articulate.

[@roothik]

I on the other hand knew that.

[@michaelernst5390]

He is a doctor

[@JaylaisAwesome]

This is what I need, I’m bad at explaining at myself or my ideas and it a misunderstanding happens drastically.

[@hypnoformation]

I enjoyed this video very much. Thanks! Connection with your audience is more important than overly complicated techniques others find useful. Unmastered skills create obvious uneasiness, and others will notice it. After you've mastered naturalness of connecting to your listeners, your own technique develops naturally. Good communication usually involves patience, when necessary compound what needs to be understood... with means of minimizing questions without creating boredom.

[@mactireliath2356]

Rarely do you get to hear a commentator following the very rule set he propositions in his idea. Very solid, tangible expression with added metaphor to force the brain to work abstractly at the end. Well done.

[@danieljohnford9939]

This guy is brilliant.

[@briansimpson6681]

I remember this man more than any other actor in my life. Hawkeye was and remains one of the greatest characters ever. Long live M.A.S.H reruns. One of the greatest shows ever made.

[@marlonstevenson4923]

I'm an introvert and I've always considered myself verbally articulate, at least in my own head when I'm talking to myself. But my ability of transforming my head speech into actual speech was considerably underdeveloped. I'd talk too fast, there was no rhythm in my speech, it was monotone and I'd oftentimes repeat the same point in a few different ways. To remedy this I took a job in sales when I left school, which I honestly hated. However a few years later my verbally expressed communication became a force to be reckoned with. I ended up leaving sales as it was the worst possible career for my personality but it really did help me, in a sadistic way.

[@billcow3455]

As someone that trains other employees as well as takes direction from someone else, this was really helpful. I will try not to try and explain more that 3 things and if I have to remember more that 3 things I will start writing them down. Thanks.

[@Boredperson360]

Notice how he uses his own advise? Using differnt paces, playing the breaks.. very nice!

[@franklinp6332]

Exactly! In this talk: Giving the tips, explaining the tips, use the tip to show as an exemple. Amazing.

[@Raven90256]

I didn't understand him. Just that he doesn't like tips

[@erynn9968]

Personally, I didn't notice that. He stays same monotonous. Only the short 4min duration saves the vid.

[@inconnu4961]

@@erynn9968 Are you serious or are you being funny? He certainly wasnt monotone, but indeed his inflections were 'lighter'. As an older man, he may not have the physical strength to project his voice the way he once had. Try rewatching it , now that you understand what to listen for and listen more closely. i bet you will catch it then!

[@erynn9968]

@@inconnu4961 I'm serious, can you imagine people perceive everything differently. Ever heard that some don't like a movie you do like? Here it's the same thing.

[@Chillinwdanz]

1st rule: Say no more than 3 important things when speaking to others. 2nd rule: When something is difficult to explain, say it in 3 different ways to create a better understanding. 3rd rule: If something is difficult to understand, say it 3 times through the talk to familiarize it. It’s a process of being a better communicator, you have to go through steps. It becomes fun because it involves building a connection with the audience.

[@710LENNY]

I used to work with a man who I thought was very difficult. And so did a lot of our staff. We went through a lot a junior (and senior) positions on a regular basis. They used to come to me and say " I don't understand, that is so much work he expects me to do" or "I'll need an assistant to help me with this workload". So one day I listened to him instructing someone on what he wanted. And I realized he was explaining it from 3 different directions. Wow. I was able to see what he meant, and I started to think of business in 360 degrees. It must work. He made me a small "m" millionaire before we split company, and we remained friends.

[@Mr.OCanada]

Great person. Love to hear him speak. Thank you for your experienced comments.

[@TheFarmacySeedsNetwork]

I love Alan Alda... What a fantastic actor and grounded person!

[@adastra08]

I was a church pastor for 41 years, and followed the example of my pastor: have three main points to a sermon so that its easy to follow and remember. Nowadays, preachers often have dozens or no discernible points.

[@ZenSocialKarma1]

Awesome. Thank you for sharing. Great advice from one of the great actors of his generation.

[@gdibble]

This advice is gold 👍

[@danielsweeneyjr.3117]

Thank you, Mr. Alda, that was wonderful and it was beautiful watching you display it.

[@WavesMedia]

The 3x rule is so useful, especially when it comes to marketing. Repetition, repetition...don't assume they'll get your message the first time you connect. Or even the second. Play the long game, and see long-term relationships built.

[@rayzorrayzor9000]

So well put. I write down notes that cover things that I want to say but I never reread them, it’s just my way of keeping a focus of what I want to cover in my talk. I never pre write a speech nor do I use notes to print me. I find that what you want to say comes across on a more human level, it’s not ‘clinical’ and people tend to respond better this way, also it lets you be fluid with yr speech changing it to suit yr audience as no two groups are ever the same. Then at the end of yr talk if you remember that you have not mentioned something then guess what it didn’t matter cos the timescale you had was spent solidifying yr views on the things you did remember

[@christydecker6081]

I have always looked when this man spoke. It’s magnetic & the tone is Source

[@writeract2]

Love Mr. Alda - his last tip works best - enjoy connecting with the audience you're speaking to or writing for - Amen.

[@donovanhays]

"it comes from the thought process I'm going through and it comes out of the thought process I sense you're going through" The second part is where many fail. Being able to effectively communicate requires you to work through your own thoughts and what you want to say, along with thinking how you audience may be thinking about what you're saying. Then adjusting accordingly. The adjustments aren't so important when you're doing public speaking because your audience is large and often doesn't interact with you, and if they do, it is at the end. I lead many discussions where it is important to constantly understand how what you're saying is being understood if I want to effectively communicate.

[@jayneweaver8695]

That was great, really helpful, thank you! LOVED the difficult to understand piece, repeating it 3 times throughout the presentation, very, VERY good!!!

[@askbob2009]

Public speaking is about YOU relating to your audience. YOU have to be comfortable. I have coached people for 20 years and Intro--your name and why you are there; explain, tell them to do something. Hopefully they remember ONE thing and act on it. Success

[@peterryan4851]

Alan Alda is such an incredible human being.

[@PatSpeedbird]

Thanks Alan, this is very helpful for me, as I suffer from paralysis by analysis. I get overcome by the interest, excitement of a new subject and I want to tell my students All about it. Then it is hard or at least very time consuming for me working out which bits to tell them. If I start with the premise of speaking in threes, for me personally , it could be seismic. Can't wait to try it out. PS just subscribed to Big Think because you caught my eye. Again thanks.

[@campaen7466]

I’m starting to believe that communicating will be more important than ever from now and then: career and relationship are bound to this I even struggle by just telling a story: while I’m talking I always think how I’m not keeping it interesting I know that thinking about what you are saying isn’t the best thing you can do for having a good communication, but I can’t shut that thoughts down

[@insankamil2909]

❤ alda seems trying to say: communication skill is human nature, even a kid is good story teller. but if we are disconnected from nature or environment , we really need to connect again

[@pboston6RR]

These are the basics of being a good classroom teacher. Having taught students from kindergarten to graduate school I find that these tips result in a direct connection to the learner. Senior citizens are the most fun because of their vast experience. When teaching on distance learning the direct connection to the learner is missing and the need for careful restatement of the topic is critical. Teaching on TV is easier if there is at least a token “class” in the recording studio. Two or three students is adequate since they interact on a subliminal level to send signals of either confusion or understanding on a topic.

[@christianclark5664]

This was 1000x more enlightened than I anticipated just based on thumbnail. This is a very wise man!

[@hitardo]

The 3 rules of 3 things. Simple 😊 It is always good to formalize something that we feel - much like what was stated as a tip @ 1:39 Meaning, I am a teacher, and I learned on the job due to the specificity of my work. Nevertheless, I improved my method along the way, based on student's feedback, what I saw on their demonstrations of knowledge (both practical exercises and exams), and what I gather from their emotions towards the discipline and the engagement during classes. The thing I learned is: you should always have a plan in how to convey your knowledge to others, but above all you should adapt your approach to the public you are facing. And be aware, the public will always surprises you - even on the same city, same age, and same background. They will surprise you. And you should always adapt. I agree with what was told here, especially the change of pace and volume @ 0:21 - and I would also add tone, to convey the relevance of what is being said, e.g., seriousness, joking, other people's voice, etc.... This has taken a front seat in relevance, due to the amount of distractions everyone faces today, namely social media, chats, and email. If your speech stays linear, much like your posture and place, the listener will get distracted over time. If you are more dynamic on these three aspects, they will keep focused, because you will be less predictable, thus, thus, not feeling free to check "relax", zone out, or pay attention to other thing. Moreover, a quick change of volume, can catch their attention again, and they understand that this is more relevant than what was previously said. The pace is linked to the complexity of the explanation. A slower pace shall be used when a difficult topic is being discussed, or a different paradigm is being demonstrated; which the listener shall be paying more attention to. As I stated before, the tone can be used to turn that speech into something more enjoyable and dynamic. It can be used to convey the relevance of what is being said, e.g., a more deep tone to convey seriousness, a more pitch voice to state a joke, or other people's voice to give an example, or our regular tone for everything else. This is a very powerful tool! Because, with these aspects you can catch other's full attention; including a recruiter, a boss, or someone you may need to do something. I do not have a child, yet. But I can also imagine that this is very powerful to a child growing up.

[@auzyx6138]

bro how you do that big ass emojis?

[@reneemartin3407]

Alan Alda is brilliant. So clearly explain the need and effectiveness of clear communication. It’s about connection and the words follow Communication happens in layers

[@Martialxhaki]

This is awesome he’s giving that true wisdom and it be like that with all things! The understanding/ the principles/ once you got that you’re GOLDEN. A thousand times better that doing some advice someone gave you and you don’t even know what you’re doing it for or what effect it has

[@marshal1808]

Communication is key to success in life. Having the courage and sensibility to say I didn't or don't understand you is also very helpful. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@wilbur9416]

Alan Alda seems to be a great person, someone that I could just hang out with for hours and talk with. Thank you for some of your words of wisdom

[@smileyp4535]

The most important thing in the age of information is we don't lose our ability to communicate, we're drowning in information now we need to better sort and identify and transfer the true, relavent and useful information

[@spamdump4459]

When I used to work with the public I found that it was common to say things three times. The first time you say it, they don't even realize you're talking to them. The second time, they realize you're talking to them, but weren't listening. The third time they will actually hear you. Naturally, this applies to situations where you don't establish individual contact and attention first, though it does seem to work on a meta level for difficult or unwelcome ideas.

[@shraddhashelke78]

I actually like this man in very first few seconds. Thanks You Sir!

[@thatoneamanda]

I adore this wonderful man, I grew up watching Scientific American Frontier on PBS I am so grateful for his wisdom and articulation.

[@Tanoaproductionsfiji]

To be able to access such wisdom, for this wise man to even share valuable insights like this is such a wonder to me. I would never have had the chance to hear such wisdom if not for the internet and of course Big Think! Thank you so much!! 🙏

[@doritoz98]

Love that he didn't try making it as though its easy all you need to do is remember this, like how human this man is

[@PraveenKumar-sr6ne]

Reading a speech ex-communicates you with your audience. Wow! Thats a great bit of advice. So true.

[@jamesharner2687]

I didn't think I would like this but I did. He understands what a musician feels or is motivated by during live performance. If you want to experience a great concert; be a great audience member... get into the groove and show it. The musicians will feel you the audience and will play better and create more excitement on stage. Think of the "Live at Budokan" albums like Cheap Trick... the Japanese fans connected with so much passion it turned into a great performance by Cheap Trick. You get connected when you allow yourself to get connected.

[@georgedunn320]

That's what they taught me to do in the Army: when addressing troops, warn them what you're about to tell them; tell them, and tell them what it was you just told them.

[@furtherstudies1456]

Also, this is THE FORMAT that IELTS Academic demands: 1. Pick 3 topics (or 3 reasons to justify your opinion) 2. Provide 3 examples for each of those 3 reasons. 3. To sum up, use as little words as you can for the 3 reasons so that you end up using not more than 1 or 2 sentences in conclusion.

[@ClariceAust]

Great to hear from Alan Alder; love that guy.. Very useful information on communication.

[@gustavodc3684]

Thanks ❤

[@Pictoru2]

I think he mentioned the most important point 3 times (connecting to the audience/person), which did in fact get his point across. The first time he said it i registered it but didn't really get across...while the consecutive times nailed the idea down in my mind. So yeah...that's some solid advice imo.

[@MirceaEnescu]

Thank you, Alan, it's my fault people don't understand me. I feel constantly a pressure to talk a lot all the time, even during my sales trainings,, and now I understand why I have difficulty in making me followed. Thank you again, Alan. All the good thoughts from Romania to you!

[@anushkachakraborty8635]

He is so well groomed at this age! Can you even imagine? What a dynamic and charming young man he must have been... once upon a time!

[@cybergrail]

This is really insightful. Thank you Alan.

[@DarrenHughes-Hybrid]

Also, the skill of talking to people is like any other skill, you can lose it or get rusty at it, if you don’t practice it. I used to be a good talker and story teller, but most of my friends have moved away and I don’t go out as much as I used and so, I don’t talk with people as much as I used and have either lost it or it’s got rusty.

[@veronicamoton5250]

Great point always speaking in three's!

[@jsteel89]

what better tip is there than 3 3 3. I love it and it resonates with me. Thank you Mr. Alda, you're a blessing.

[@pauljmeyer1]

I applaud this, as communicating in a clear and structured way allows greater participation to occur.

[@thatguy8005]

It is OK to repeat yourself… people think old people forget they told you…. But things heard three times are remembered.

[@kurthamel2012]

This guy reminds me of Review Brah in 60 years

[@beebuzz959]

Kurt Hamel, he reminds me of a doctor on a TV show in the Korean war.

[@infinitive7654]

my gd...you're right

[@udasamr7539]

Holly shit

[@KaiTakApproach]

@@beebuzz959 These kids have no freakin' idea of history before Reptar and the Nematode. Your under the radar snipe makes me feel better about it though!

[@milker6670]

Omg yes!

[@UnleashedGraffixx]

This was good! Thank you!

[@zenseed75]

Love Alan!

[@quangdaile1986]

Thanks grandpa, it is very useful advices!

[@John_____Smith]

*advice

[@alexandersalazar4736]

This 3 tips are interesting and they might have or not have yet developed for me. Like I've had the tip 2 and 3 because it's usually in my communication style. The tip 1 where I have to limit to 3 topics/things/subjects to talk about is hard for me. Mostly because I'm a really loud and talkative person. Limiting myself to talk about three topics when I know a lot is annoying for me. But i just had a revelation from this man that more than three things is a lot for my listener

[@xaviotesharris891]

As a creative writing teacher once told me, we learn the rules, tips, and tricks of communication for those times when inspiration isn't coming as fast as we'd like.

[@MindsEyeVisualGuitarMethods]

Wow...cool! I've been doing this without even realizing it.... I teach a pre-licencing course new drivers every week and I've been telling them a helpful way to break through the nervousness of the test is to get the big idea's whittled down into simple, one-word, 1-2-3.mental command's.

[@darkrangerl]

Mind's Eye Visual Guitar Methods So how does that work?0

[@KeshArt]

Holy cow, I always do this. Dint know this was a thing!

[@VivekKumar-sl6pc]

Love your work man👍👍

[@barneyy6942]

Of course you dint.

[@biggerinfinity9522]

Kesh? Keshav?

[@Keepit10011]

Your video on absorbing and putting out and going through a cycle. Daily has manifested through my life in the backround. Working, being kind, and taking care of one self. I looked at that and looked at others needs and life as mouths that are starving and I slowly worked on each of them. Emptying my past into the present in my art. And absorbing love and life from creativity and others creations. Yes to say the least. Your explanation skills stuck and affect people deeply even after years my friend. Hope your doing well been wondering and haven't seen you on KZbin til today but no better time than ever, can be today. Thank you for affecting me so positively. If I can pass on anything I've learned from you it's the 3 things work, listen, and let go.

[@polymathpark]

this is an interesting data point, I feel like most people don't do this in the U.S. and many other countries.

[@MrsDetroit622]

I love Alan Alda. He is always a source of good information.

[@meismeems1]

Alan Alda has the easiest to listen to speaking voice of anyone. I could listen to him for hours.

[@fazergazer]

Speaking and connecting with the listener is a dance. Between the speaker and the listener. Both take turns leading and following.