How Can People Get Better at Writing and Using Language?

4min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

"I think anything that you want to be good at helps to know what is possible, or what has been possible thus far," she says. "When i am wearing my educator hat, i try to think a lot about orienting my work away from product and towards process." She adds: "Can we have that kind of compassion for ourselves as writers?"

Roses are red, violets are blue, has poetry ever been intimidating for you? For many people, this art form can feel unapproachable for a myriad of reasons, but today’s guest, poet and educator Sarah Kay, suggests that people who don’t like poetry just maybe haven’t found a poem that really speaks to them. In this episode, Sarah proposes a fresh approach to this ancient art, talks about why playing with language can help you get in touch with yourself, and discusses the ways that writing and art help us form deeper, meaningful connections with others. Plus, she shares helpful, fun, and low-stakes writing exercises that might encourage you to put pen to paper. Read Sarah’s poetry and more at kaysarahsera.com To learn more about "How to Be a Better Human," host Chris Duffy, or find footnotes and additional resources, please visit: go.ted.com/betterhuman