by Catharine Hannay
Here's the latest in the popular series of video playlists for teachers. This time the focus is on mindful speech and communication issues in the modern world.
I've tried to include something for everyone, so there's a wide range of videos--from Sesame Street to lectures and short films for adults or mature teens. After each section, I've included a few suggested questions for discussion or reflective writing.
As always, use your own best judgment about what's appropriate for your particular context.
Tips on Mindful Speaking and Listening
Active Listening
Student Katie Owens explains
why it's important to Be. Here. Now.
(3 minutes)
Student Katie Owens explains
why it's important to Be. Here. Now.
(3 minutes)
Elmo Knows How to Listen
Elmo (who's dressed like a chicken for some reason)
sings about whole body listening.
(1 minute)
Elmo (who's dressed like a chicken for some reason)
sings about whole body listening.
(1 minute)
Better Communication with Mindful Speech
Phi Thuy Nguyen explains how people react
to skillful or unskillful phrasing of the same message.
(7 minutes)
Phi Thuy Nguyen explains how people react
to skillful or unskillful phrasing of the same message.
(7 minutes)
we're losing our ability to listen,
and how we can practice listening to each other
and the world around us
(8 minutes)
How to Speak So That People Want to Listen
Julian Treasure explains the 'seven deadly sins' of speaking,
then shares the warmup exercises he uses before giving a lecture.
(10 minutes)
Julian Treasure explains the 'seven deadly sins' of speaking,
then shares the warmup exercises he uses before giving a lecture.
(10 minutes)
Mindful Speech
lecture by Tara Brach
posted by Palouse Mindfulness,
a free self-guided online MBSR program;
this is an excerpt from an hour-long talk
(20 minutes)
lecture by Tara Brach
posted by Palouse Mindfulness,
a free self-guided online MBSR program;
this is an excerpt from an hour-long talk
(20 minutes)
Suggested Questions
- How does your body language show that you're listening (or not)?
- What does 'mindful speech' mean to you?
- If you gave a TED talk on mindful communication, what would you say?
Words Can Hurt
"I am a Person"
for "spread the word to end the word"
(1 1/2 minutes)
for "spread the word to end the word"
(1 1/2 minutes)
Native Americans explain their response to this offensive term.
(Teachers, be forewarned that a couple of the participants compare this word
to other offensive terms, including the N word.)
(3 minutes)
song by Kaitlyn Marie Oliveira
click here for lyrics
(4 minutes)
Suggested Questions
- Do you know the expression, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me"? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- Why do you think there are still so many offensive words to describe different groups of people?
Communication Problems
They're certainly trying hard to communicate!
(3 minutes)
but the woman doesn't want to play along.
(8 minutes)
(8 minutes)
Suggested Questions
- Have you ever felt like the 'Muppet Martians,' trying hard to talk with someone but repeatedly failing? What did you do to finally communicate?
- Have you ever felt like someone else wanted you to follow a script, or have you ever felt frustrated with someone who wasn't following your script? What happened?
JP Sears earnestly explains
why it's important to be
in a constant state of distraction.
(4 minutes)
A groom with cold feet
posts a survey on Facebook about whether
he should go through with his wedding.
(Teachers, be forewarned
this one has a lot of swearing,
mostly from the bride.)
(14 minutes)
posts a survey on Facebook about whether
he should go through with his wedding.
(Teachers, be forewarned
this one has a lot of swearing,
mostly from the bride.)
(14 minutes)
Suggested Questions
- How much time do you spend on your phone? Do you ever look at your phone just to distract yourself?
- Do you think social media every goes too far? Where do you draw the line in terms of what's too personal to share?
- How much should other people's opinions count when we're making important decisions? What are the most/least effective ways of asking and giving opinions?
Related Posts
If you and your students like these types of videos, be sure to check out the other song playlists and video playlists, including:
- Songs About Kindness and Compassion, part 1
- Songs About Kindness and Compassion, part 2
- Songs About Regret and Forgiveness
- Thought-Provoking Videos About Empathy, Compassion, and Service: includes "How to Have a Good Conversation," "Things Not to Say" to various types of people
Here are some additional posts that might be useful:
- Tips, Practices, and Activities for Mindful Communication
- Resources for Practicing and Teaching Kindness and Compassion
- Upstander and Antibullying Resources
And see the Mindfulness Resources page for many more posts about practicing and teaching mindfulness, compassion, and SEL.
About the Author
Catharine Hannay is the founder of MindfulTeachers.org and the author of Being You: A Girl’s Guide to Mindfulness, a workbook for teen girls on mindfulness, compassion, and self-acceptance.
