A Dozen Songs and Videos for Teaching Mindful Communication

Here are a variety of songs and short (1-12 minute) videos you can use while teaching about mindful listening, speech, and silence. 

As always, please preview anything you plan to share with youth, and think carefully about what’s most appropriate for your particular context.

5 Lectures About Mindful Communication

“A Guided Exercise for Mindful Communication” by Dr. Kate Truitt

How to proactively change the way we speak in order to self-regulate and improve our relationships.(6 minutes)

“How to Have a Good Conversation” by Celeste Headlee

TEDX Talk by the author of We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter. She has a somewhat different perspective from Katie Owens on Active Listening (from the mindfulness video playlist), so it could be interesting discuss both talks. (12 minutes)

The Importance of Presence in Mindful Communication by Oren Jay Sofer

A few quick tips for being more aware during conversations, by the author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication. (1 minute)

Mindful Speaking: Speak More Effectively with Mindfulness 

Joelle from Kernel of Wisdom explains that “mindful speaking is an incredible skill that can help you better connect with others, control conversations, feel listened to, and be effective with your speech.” (3 minutes)

The Mindful Way to Communicate with Less Stress

Les Raymond from The Mindful Movement explains how listening to our friends and family is a gift we can offer them. (1 minute)

7 Songs About Thoughtful Listening and Choosing Our Words

“Brave,” Sara Bareilles

Pop song about the power of our words. (Video shows a sign language performance by d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students. Music starts 1:11; also includes audio and lyrics) 

“I Know a Man,” Jeffrey Gaines

Folk rock song about a man who was in an accident and can’t speak or express himself through his body—he now realizes how much we take our words and actions for granted.

“Listen,” Kyshona Armstrong 

R&B song about the frustrations of trying to communicate with someone who keeps interrupting and criticizing rather than empathizing.

“Listen,” Street Symphony

Choral music about listening to ourselves and each other, as well as the world around us.

“Speak Life,” Toby Mac

Upbeat pop song about using our words to support others rather than bringing them down.

“Speak Truth,” Homeboy Sandman

Hip-hop song about choosing to speak honestly even when it’s tough.

“Talk to Me,” Cavetown

Gentle pop song about being a supportive presence for someone who’s struggling.

 Conclusion

I hope you find this selection of songs and videos useful when you’re teaching youth how to communicate kindly and effectively. 

There are many more song playlists, video playlists, and resources for teaching mindful communication at MindfulTeachers.org.

And be sure to check out the posts here at the Center for Adolescent Studies on teaching mindfulness and healthy relationships:

A Dozen Songs for Teaching Mindfulness to Teens

A Dozen Videos for Teaching Mindfulness to Teens

A Dozen Songs for Teaching About Healthy Relationships

9 Guidelines for Teaching Trauma-Informed Mindfulness to Teens

Join the FREE Resilience Community for Helping Professionals to learn more about trauma-informed care, resilience, mindfulness, building relationships, and more! Our community features self-paced courses, a monthly live Zoom call, a weekly live meditation, and an online platform to connect with other providers/professionals in your field.