Verbal communication is something most of us take for granted. Whether it’s a coworker or the clerk at the grocery store, we talk to others around us all day long. We always want to be at our best when pitching our latest project or interviewing for a new position, but we sometimes discount the importance of more casual conversations. Unless you’ve ever had a hairdresser take your wishes and run in a different direction, of course.

There’s no point in speaking if no one is listening. In this TED talk, author and sound expert Julian Treasure breaks down the basics of speech, including his seven sins and four powerful cornerstones of speaking, and tips on how to increase the power of our voice.

To learn more, watch the video How to Speak So That People Want to Listen.