Videos About Mindful Communication
published 3/20/20; updated 11/16/24
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
Continuing the popular series of Video Playlists for Teachers and Teacher Trainers, here are a variety of perspectives on how words can hurt, miscommunication, mindful cell phone use, and mindful speaking and listening.
Teachers, please note: With such a multicultural audience teaching young children through adults, I can’t guarantee that all of the videos will be appropriate for your particular context. I’ve put brief descriptions to help you choose, but please preview anything you plan to share with your students.
Tips on Mindful Speaking and Listening
Mindful Speaking
Joelle (a licensed therapist) gives some
quick tips for mindful speech.
(3 minutes)
Active Listening
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)
Better Communication with Mindful Speech
Phi Thuy Nguyen explains how people react
to skillful or unskillful phrasing of the same message.
(7 minutes)
Julian Treasure explains how 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)
Mindful Speech
(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
Words Can Hurt
"I am a Person"
for "spread the word to end the word"
(1 1/2 minutes)
Native Americans explain their response to this offensive term.
(A couple of the participants compare this word to other offensive terms, including the N word.)
(3 minutes)
Introvert vs. Extravert Translator
A couple keep expecting each other to be mind readers rather than saying what they want. (2 minutes of conversation—with a voiceover of what they’re really thinking, then 2 minutes of advice on effective communication)
The Sesame Street Martians Talk to a Telephone
They're certainly trying hard to communicate!
(3 minutes)
Off Book
A man brings a script to a first date.
(8 minutes)
Duolingo for Talking to Children
A young woman discovers an app that helps her communicate with her friends’ kids. (2 minutes)
Two young men try talking to their fathers about how they’re feeling.
(4 minutes)
How Smart is Your Smart Phone?
How to Be More Addicted to Your Phone
In this satirical video, 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 social media 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)
Related Posts
There are many more video playlists and resources on mindful communication here at MindfulTeachers.org, including the following posts: