Speak no evil: seven deadly sins

25th January 2019, 12:00am
Magazine Article Image

Share

Speak no evil: seven deadly sins

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archived/speak-no-evil-seven-deadly-sins

We all know how frustrating it is to teach students who refuse to listen. It’s even worse when it’s your colleagues or superiors who just “don’t get it”.

The question is: how good are we at speaking? According to communication expert Julian Treasure, there are seven deadly speaking sins:

1. Gossiping: When you speak ill of others behind their back, those listening will instinctively feel cautious around you.

2. Judging and condemning: If you roll your eyes at the guest speaker and belittle the actions of colleagues, you’re probably more drain than radiator to be around.

3. Negativity: Being around people who always see the worst in every situation is ultimately a frustrating, unpleasant experience.

4. Complaining: Know the difference between speaking your mind and moaning for the sake of it.

5. Making excuses: Making mistakes doesn’t put people off, but pretending that you didn’t does.

6. Embellishment/exaggeration: Don’t kid yourself that people don’t notice your extra fictitious details or omissions...

7. Dogmatism: Laying down opinions as facts can create an oppressive atmosphere.

Jo Steer is a teacher and experienced leader of SEND interventions and wellbeing strategies

You need a Tes subscription to read this article

Subscribe now to read this article and get other subscriber-only content:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters

Already a subscriber? Log in

You need a subscription to read this article

Subscribe now to read this article and get other subscriber-only content, including:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared