Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

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Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED

TED

15.7M views 10 years ago

Warm-up Questions

The title says “10 ways to have a better conversation.” What makes a conversation “better” in your opinion?
Do you think technology (phones, texting, social media) helps or hurts conversations? Why?
Where do you have your best conversations—at home, at work/school, or with friends? Why there?

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Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED

Why conversations feel harder now + what you’ll learn (00:00 – 04:20)

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1. What does the speaker say often happens to conversations today?

They usually stay polite if you avoid talking about health
They are mostly improved by social media
They can easily turn into arguments, even about small topics
They are safer because people compromise more

2. What does the Pew research study suggest, according to the speaker?

People are more polarized and divided than in the past
Politicians now listen better to each other
People are more willing to compromise than ever before
Teenagers talk face-to-face more than they text

3. What skill does the high school teacher say is often overlooked?

Reading comprehension
Conversational competence
Public speaking with notes
Debate competition

Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED

Rules 1–5: Be present, don’t lecture, ask well, stay flexible, admit limits (04:20 – 07:47)

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1. Rule #1 is mainly about…

Being present and not multitasking
Always agreeing to avoid conflict
Avoiding eye contact so you can think
Writing better summaries

2. What does the speaker suggest you do if you want to state your opinion with no pushback?

Argue louder
Send a group text
Write a blog
Make a podcast

3. How should you start questions to get better answers, according to the speaker?

With “Do you agree…?”
With long, detailed background information
With who/what/where/when/why/how
With “Be honest…”

Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED

Rules 6–10: Don’t make it about you, keep it clear, listen, and be brief/interested (07:47 – 11:45)

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1. According to the speaker, why shouldn’t you equate your experience with someone else’s?

Because it will always make them angry
Because experiences are individual and the moment is not about you
Because it makes you sound too emotional
Because it is only a problem at work

2. What does “stay out of the weeds” mean here?

Don’t focus on too many minor details like dates and names
Avoid outdoor conversations
Don’t talk about politics
Only talk about facts and statistics

3. What is rule #10?

Correct people’s mistakes quickly
Always take notes during conversations
Be brief
Tell more stories to entertain people

Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED

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1. What is the speaker’s overall purpose in this talk?

To show how to become a professional radio host
To give practical rules for better conversations, especially better listening
To explain why social media should be banned
To teach people how to win arguments in public

2. Which idea is emphasized repeatedly throughout the talk?

Good conversations depend on having impressive experiences
Listening matters more than trying to sound clever
Repeating your point makes it clearer for everyone
The best conversations avoid open-ended questions

3. What does the speaker suggest is a key attitude for good conversations?

Be interested in other people and ready to learn
Avoid talking to people you disagree with
Be prepared to prove you are right
Use safe topics like weather and health

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation | TED

Which of the 10 rules is hardest for you personally, and why? Give a real example.
Do you agree that technology makes people worse at conversation? What benefits does it still have?
Think of someone you disagree with. How could you “assume you have something to learn” in a conversation with them?
What does “be prepared to be amazed” mean in daily life? How can that attitude change your conversations?