Why communication goes wrong...and how to fix it | Tim Pollard | TEDxBillings

Most people understand that communication is a vitally important skill in life and business...and yet most people still struggle to communicate effectively.
In this vibrant Tedx Talk, Tim Pollard unpacks why and how most communication goes wrong and presents a powerful tool for the design of world-class communication. Tim is the Founder and CEO of Oratium and author of The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design.
Throughout a long career in Sales and Marketing for companies such as Unilever, Barclays Bank and the Corporate Executive Board, Tim has almost obsessively sought to understand and capture the underlying “science” of extraordinary communication.
The result of this journey has been the development of a unique set of tools and concepts, and a remarkable ability to coach others in the learnable processes of exceptional communications. As a leading thinker in his field, Tim is a regular columnist for Forbes and Entrepreneur, and a highly sought-after speaker in the area of advanced communication skills, with particular emphasis on executive communications, sales messaging and donor messaging. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@simsim4910]

Most times when I'm having a conversation I was just talking about stuff I wanted to talk about, not caring if they even understood it or even cared. This really has me rethinking how to go about conversations

[@user-lj5wr4iy6e]

no offence but i hate self centered people like u. again, no offence

[@henrey3759]

Retelability is an interesting concept. Simple, straightforward, and allows the speaker to focus on important aspects of presentation. Love it

[@jrwhitaker215]

This lecture had nothing to do with how to fix a communication failure

[@mrjleex]

Very good. I used to be one of those many slide guys, but I was trying to inform, not persuade. I also like the retellability concept tho. Keeps it simple. MIT professor, Patrick Henry Winston lectured on a similar subject, how to speak, and it is excellent. He gave it every year for probably 30 years. Early in his last lecture, I noticed Steve Jobs sitting in the front row enjoying the show. Both died not too long after. I taught in graduate school and I emphasized communication in all my classes. I would tell my students that they could be the best engineers on earth but if they could not communicate their thoughts and ideas, it was a waste of everyone's time. Over the semester, the improvement was stunning. I really enjoyed that job and mostly bc of that change. Engineers are often not outgoing. An outgoing or extroverted engineer looks at your shoes instead of his own when speaking.

[@melissagordon1621]

I'd love to hear more about what you did to help your students change. Can you message me? Thanks

[@mrjleex]

​@@melissagordon1621 Primarily it was feedback on written reports. I should have had them give oral reports, but I was quite the neonate at teaching.

[@Actionchildren1]

#

[@letaphillips2239]

I have always detested public speaking. My work in the non-profit sector makes it essential. Is there a way to access Patrick Henry's lecture? Thanks

[@elenagrossi4414]

As someone who helps building up presentations for sustainable start-ups, this is one of the most important and well-made Ted Talks I ever watched. I thank you immensely

[@murtalaismailadakawa9125]

The Decision-making process is always the best and most critical component in communicating a research finding. How I wish the organizers had given the speaker ample time to share more points on how to present a presentable presentation that catches the audience's attention and influences policy formulators and program implementers in making a rightful decision. Actions, actors, actands, beliefs, and proofs are important in the pyramid of the planned outcome. Thank you.

[@tumelomohale9104]

What an amazing Ted talk, it really changed my view about communication. I would recommend this to any and everyone

[@habibmayar9348]

Excellent. He succeeded in making me believe that we need to change the way we communicate through this very presentation

[@CFlifestyleFoundation]

We should all strive to be effective communicators, and many times when there is a breakdown in communication we stop talking, and that is the worst thing that we can possibly do. The most important thing to do, which the speaker touches upon, is to continue to build that connection until there is a mutual understanding.

[@user-mpampis060Gr]

Σας έχω γράψει πρόσφατα ημερών για την αναγκαιότητα προσθήκης και άλλων γλωσσών ώστε να βοηθήσει εμάς που δεν γνωρίζουμε καλά την αγγλική γλώσσα. Σας εύχομαι να έχετε πολυπληθές ακροατήριο, χαιρετίσματα από την Αθήνα πρωτεύουσα της Ελλάδας. Ευχαριστώ πολύ.

[@mrdlh4]

What a great standard for us all to aim for! Second meeting success 🙌🏾

[@goldenapplesaga5446]

This was absolutely freaking incredible and I'm overjoyed I chose this video

[@feliciahoffman700]

WOW! That was Powerful! I can use this info towards my career. Thank you for shedding light on communication.

[@amyarmstrongcoach]

Love the graphs and your clear structure, thank you.

[@406memories5]

Thanks so much for sharing this one! Loved seeing our photos in this event. So much love for this event!

[@johnwealthy6044]

I’m here because I’m such a terrible communicator. 40 years being in industry, senior level engineer, yet hide behind others and hope to god someone who is a better talker can present my ideas. It’s tough and watching many excellent videos like these is not going to fix things overnight. But I’m working on it..

[@calebu2]

Tim nails this important message. I saw him present this big idea in one of his classes and have been sharing his insights ever since. A clear demonstration of the master delivering the goods in his own communications!

[@compellingcommunicator]

Thanks so much, Stephen, it's quite appreciated.

[@sharonpapo91]

Very thought provoking presentation! Makes sense!

[@mohitsaini9725]

Absolutely amazing!

[@benjamindover4337]

Excellent, thank you.

[@calebu2]

For people who are sensitive to flashing lights, the introduction includes a strobe effect in the montage. 0:20 is where the talk actually starts.

[@TheCommunicationCoach]

It goes wrong when Interference blocks too much of a sent Message, and the Reply. Most people don't understand how it really works. Voicing words or writing them does not qualify one as proficient at all, in fact, usually quite the opposite since Receiving (listening) is the key component over Sending (talking) by 70/30 in Interpersonal Communication. As for fixing it, it's got to start and be taught from preschool on up. One Oral Communication/Speech class in comm college is not going to cut it; it's far too little far too late.

[@barcorn6991]

This is gonna help me in my upcoming project presentation

[@jimmyliu4614]

I start to understand why so many conspiracy theories are prevailing now. Thanks for the clear explanation.

[@heartcore_athletics]

great and inspiring talk my friend! I hope the world hears your message!

[@lowings848]

Brilliant, the intellectual architecture.

[@Romans15.32]

Very good presentation. Thank you

[@PassBluntBoss]

Needed this

[@FarbotBurunetNia]

Thank you.

[@kalistoogwang5820]

I just wish the whole world would watch this Talk.!!

[@cindyhalpern3187]

This was concentrate and to the point! Good job!

[@silviat8759]

Brilliant❣️

[@JS-ld2qd]

Actually a useful Ted talk 👍👍

[@anvu5523]

Wow amazing presentation.

[@benhanson6990]

Loved it

[@marshalbaek5580]

Was the CEO's goal to have the audience commit to memory the 10 things needed for success? Or... It could it be the goal was to motivate them to go "all in", instill pride in being an employee, show them there's a game plan, and to minimize turnover. The pyramid presented here is GREAT. If his goal was for people to use it in some form or fashion going forward, then mission accomplished with me.

[@behindthebuild8016]

Probably both so missed the mark on one but nailed the other.

[@marshalbaek5580]

@@behindthebuild8016 Maybe. But consider that all 10 things were likely not applicable to all departments in the company. Sales probably had 3 or so like "grow the business by 10%....or "Get into a new vertical"....and...increase retention in the top 20% of their customers. Sales focused. Operations likely would focus on Operational efficiency, lower production costs, and streamline processes that enables their "product" to get to the customers faster and so on. The Back-office would likely focus on electronic billing, which in turn would get invoices out much more quickly, and work to reduce the number of customers paying after 30 days to keep cash flow steady. You can see how those things wouldn't relate to Sales or Operations in a meaningful way... For that reason, it would make a LOT of sense to have the line Managers take on the responsibility of getting their teams to memorize, internalize, adopt, and work towards their subset of those 10 things they will have the most impact on to ensure they are focusing on it everyday. So it just doesn't add up to have a CEO spend that limited, rare, valuable time in front of all the employees getting them to memorize them all. Just a thought...

[@theprimalpitch190]

Nobody with any experience expects audience to remember 10 points so that's not a failure. AND, there will be followup memos, etc. anyway. Ideally, the CEO would have created 3 "themes" and tucked his points inside those themes, which would be related. Not that hard. As observed, the key goal will be to rally the troops in an authentic and sustained fashion. Speaker does not report on that criteria.

[@marshalbaek5580]

@@theprimalpitch190 Agreed. I think some might interpret what he was saying was implying the CEO's presentation wasn't good because they couldn't remember many of the 10 things. I was asking the question to get people to think about it a level or 2 deeper. Thanks for the comment.

[@TomBielecki]

Thank you for the framework, it makes a lot of sense. I was taking notes, and the only thing missing from his example was the data/proof to support the beliefs (I'm not sure that a single photo is enough!). Would it have been a more successful fundraiser if there was proof to support the first and third beliefs as well? Perhaps someone on stage to personally attest to his story and how they would be personally impacted by this evening?

[@stgo88]

So simple, so potentially efficient. I'll practice with my students :-D

[@compellingcommunicator]

Thank you, Stephane, please let us know how it goes with your students. Our communication curriculum is taught in several US Universities.

[@a3minutevideo737]

Thank you ❤️

[@Enidehalas]

One of these talks where in just 15 minutes, you end up in a "mind = blown" situation and start immediately take actions to improve your life and the ones around you

[@amyhubbard2506]

Thank you & tell Capricorn I said thank you too and I’ll talk to him soon can’t wait to come to his baseball game!💗😇 soul family NO doubt !!🥰😘

[@LavaKafleNepal]

awesome blessed

[@teresarohlin1859]

Thank you

[@becomingwhowetrulyare4156]

Given that we are all going to age it is well worth thinking about how we can still win while making (Rather than avoiding) that transition.

[@dylanparker4404]

amazing

[@user-nq9bz6iz6l]

Wow incredible talk. Amazing, I know I have the message: Important to watch out for the sirens Make sure you give your audience the retell ability and The pyramid, the architecture of the idea (action, belief and... what? I don't remember the third one lol) is essential. Hah. Nice

[@arjavjain25]

I like this man

[@ordinaryclass8508]

One of best i heard

[@compellingcommunicator]

Thank you so much for that comment, it's really appreciated.

[@Mylsamyvcet]

Great 👍

[@ChrisHillOnline]

Love the pyramid 👌🙌

[@andylynch3308]

"Powerfully land a small number of big ideas." - Tim Pollard

[@laviniasnow4494]

I had professors with this humongous number of slides type of presentation as lectures. Needless to say, us, students didn't understand what they were teaching and they were left very frustrated that we didn't understand. Basically it was a lose - lose situation. 😐

[@sharinaross1865]

Hmmm. Did you get an A in the course?

[@laviniasnow4494]

@@sharinaross1865 Only after another professor explained it with much fewer slides. 🙂

[@GREENEYESSASHARONIN]

❤

[@ellencooney5563]

I think most "communication" is learned b.s. Motive really matters. I'm honestly only listening because I'd like to visit Montana one day. Still not sure why he is speaking tho. Motive really matters.

[@vijayarya9528]

Thank u all very much

[@kimingay1608]

I'M JUST A "MODEL" OF VALUE "BALANCED AND EQUALITY".

[@sal2417]

As tony robbins once said appearance is more important than substance initially because you can be the smartest person on earth but if you don't have style nobody will even listen to a thing you have to say

[@MrIIIpppOOOddd]

I am wondering if you used this tool for this exact Ted talk…

[@vintagesoul521]

He said as much…remember, he said this tool is helpful for any communication (and he specifically included Ted Talks) where it’s essential that one gets their message across.

[@dexterkairaiuak2955]

8:44 These are the quotes of old. These are the ticktok videos people redo.

[@lohht7g]

ومن أعظم الأعمال قاطبة= ترك المحرم، ومعالجة فساد القلب ومفارقة الذنب المستحكم من النفوس والقلوب، وأعظم سبل ذلك القرآن، تدبرًا وفهمًا وعملًا. فمن ابتلي بسماع المعازف او النظر للحرام؛ فمن أعظم أعماله مجاهدة نفسه وترك هذه الذنوب، وهو من جملة تعظيم شعائر الله عز وجل. وأعظم النوافل بعد الجهاد العلم، عبادة السر، وهو مشهور مذهب أحمد وجماعة.. وطلبه أعظم القربات، وصرف الوقت فيه= تعبد وقربة. ومن أعظمه حفظ القرآن ومراجعته. ولعل من جميل عمل القلب اليوم وقد تطايرت بنا الفتن كل مطار= انكسار القلب لله، والاعتراف بالذنب وإقرار ما أحل الله وتحريم ما حرمه والبداءة في ذلك بأنفسنا. تلكم جملة من الأحكام والمسائل، حاولت جمعها واختصارها، ولست لذلك أهلًا ولا مثلًا، عسى أن ينتفع بها من ينتفع، والله الموفق المستعان. فما أتيت به على وجهه وصوابه فمن الله صاحب الفضل والمنة، وما أسأت فيه فمن نفسي والشيطان، والله أسأل أن يفقهني وإياكم في دينه.. وأن يغفر لي ما أمرتكم به وأنا هاجره، وما نهيتكم عنه وأنا فاعله! والكريم من وجد عيبًا فستره والتمس المعاذير، وأعوذ بالله من شر نفسي وهواها.. وبراءة إلى الله من إشراك خفي وخشوع نفاق. ومن الله وحده أرجو فلاحًا لي ولكم، وتوفيقًا وقبولًا، فرحمته رحمن الدنيا والآخرة ورحيمهما وسعت كل شيء. وصلى الله على محمد، والحمد لله أولًا وآخرًا.

[@denisemc607]

My addiction to slides is so you don't forget what to say when you go off topic🙂

[@ashakhach8071]

I listened to this by headphones now I'm am out of breath

[@TheCommunicationCoach]

LOL, I use a white board too! Allows so much for more direct, spontaneous teaching.

[@xenarafique8871]

This was still complicated to understand

[@treece1]

i thought this wood cure my relationships

[@dominikkoksa3989]

how to become one of those speakers

[@808stateofmind2]

👀niiiiiiice intro music………… 🙊🙉🙈

[@joytekb]

Where to pay money ?

[@kostakosta8678]

Ok

[@annetteka]

retailability retellability. the unfiltered use/display of automated transcription seems to have become acceptable and is left unchallenged. communication building blocks left to the merit of digital convenience. misspelling and errors of humans are human. a programme '"tells" you what someone's saying and by way of its inherent digital limitations alters not just words, but subsequently meaning and context of the original content, whilst leaving a trail of arbitrairy changes that likely go unnoticed and thus taken for face value, takes more than it actually gives. deaf people or anyone watching without sound gets an unwarranted example of communication gone wrung.

[@msmarshamammons4458]

Commutation is that we must be able to get together and talk about the things that are now going down the drain, for both Men and Women who don't know how to get together and talk about the things that are now more serious than what is not working for the betterment of the best business, schools, and the rest are Christian Churches of American freedom of speech and religion and the best standing News, of American people who are Christian and non Christian try to get together and communication is that we must be able to speak clearly not even interested in doing that are now getting ready to go to the greatest truth about what is that the English language is not working well for me and the rest of the population of American Democratic people who don't know how to get together and talk about this one message from your International TEDx show.

[@bukurie6861]

Thank you!Always hear interesting talk but it is difficult to do,to practice,to talk with each-others and To be😍 sincerity for everone and everyday!To have Respec🏃t is best term...⁉🌞👍

[@francesbernard2445]

After watching this presentation I understand how to reach some audiences however I continue wondering how any decent priest or decent minister manages to explain deep concepts with very few hard detail facts to illustrate other than how the Lord and his successful apostles taught the same concepts. Sometimes with no hard detail supporting facts when explaining an associated to the main important concept. Would it help if I for example revealed what kind acts some homeless people do too while struggling with the same 3 sirens as they are being successful in communication? Perhaps all of us tend to get lost in the details. Like when learning about what kind of weapon or weapons that some traditional harvesters who are not fishermen are using while travelling to harvest in a rural area in northern Siberia or in the Netherlands because they are afraid of going hungry.

[@kddk444]

Very informative abd eye opening indeed. Yet, when you present yourself as a communication reformist you better practice what you preach. Just saying.

[@Jan-rn3vj]

In what way do you find did he not do that? Seriously curious, because to me this presentation seemed to proof and show all of his points

[@avidrucker]

I'm curious too, to break down the points as see where we agree/disagree on how the speaker did 🤓🤔💭

[@AC-dp3iq]

En castellano. Que bueno sería.🤷🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@Dan210871]

Tim vivió en México DF por un par de años, pero no sé si ha seguido practicando castellano con la frecuencia suficiente para dar esta misma charla en ese idioma.

[@AC-dp3iq]

@@Dan210871 doblaje.

[@Dan210871]

@@AC-dp3iq Subtitulado es preferible a doblaje.

[@ummekalsum3300]

আমি ইংরেজি বলা শিখতে এখানে এসেছি,,দেখছি আর শুনছি, কিছু বুঝতে পারিনা,,আমার কি আদৌও কোন উপকারে দিচ্ছে এটা, সেটা কিভাবে,, কিংবা আমি এই কথাগুলো বা এটার পর্বগুলো কিভাবে কাজে লাগাতে পারবো??

[@LeoGeorge10]

Mister looks like Fred Andrews from Riverdale 🤚🏾😅

[@raone6145]

Communication fail coz we use bad language.

[@clumsytriangle2436]

Good but the downside is that the info given to get your audience to believe may not necessarily be factual or true, and can actually mislead them. That's the sad reality of being human. Besides, conmen/grifters who are all naturals at communication, have been doing this forever. Nevertheless, some good ideas.

[@CarmenElRose]

He looks like Russell Crowe

[@compellingcommunicator]

HA! I'll tell him you said that...

[@mustafa9967]

How did a speaker become a successful person?😭😭😭

[@lesliehalbert6230]

TOO FREAKIN MANY PEOPLE, thinking they know BETTER!!!

[@subs4794]

The sound effects style intro/outro are very annoying and are not fitting a TED talk.

[@user-pr2vj8hm8y]

🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Presentators playing this game are those I am aware of most. Sorry. After the finish there is enough time to ask specifically. This lifts the skirt.

[@zoecadolouis578]

🇭🇹👑📱🔑❤️‍🔥😇

[@TheCommunicationCoach]

MY CHANNEL TEACHES ONE HOW TO DO IT RIGHT!

[@kirstenerman8068]

I wasn't all that impressed. I think the title is a bit of a misnomer. This is about presenting to a group which to me isn't the communication that we put into play every day of our lives. He also talked too fast in my mind or didn't pause enough to let the concept take a little root in the listener's brain. I did like the idea of retellability, but did I really need someone to point this out?

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[@sharinaross1865]

Another Pyramid Model.

[@elizabethg952]

You lost me at 4 minutes. I'll finish the video in a minute, but it's worth noting that you did the thing you're trying to show us not to do.

[@Seftehandle]

Meh

[@rubychurch3466]

Would like to have listened more than a couple of minutes, but your heavy breathing drove me away. Urgh

[@kimberlybrink1400]

So disappointing.

[@MrIIIpppOOOddd]

I am wondering if you used this tool for this exact Ted talk…