Poetry Hacks to Connect With Anyone on a Deeper Level - Oakland

In this online session designed for the Oakland community, you will explore Poetry Hacks to Connect With Anyone on a Deeper Level. Discover how the basic principles of poetry can transform your everyday conversations and help build stronger relationships across our city, from Jack London Square to the Redwood Regional Park. While created with Oakland in mind, this digital event is open to anyone globally looking to understand communication in a new light. You'll explore simple techniques to foster genuine connections, even if you have never written a poem before.

We will look beyond complex literary analysis. Instead, you will get insights on the power of metaphor, imagery, and rhythm in simple, direct communication. Think of the rich imagery in Oakland's street art or the diverse rhythms of its neighborhoods; these are not academic concepts but practical tools you can use immediately. Learn how paying attention to the sound and shape of words can change how others receive your message and respond to you. The focus is on making your expression more vivid and your listening more intentional.

The goal is to move past surface-level small talk and build a more connected community here in Oakland. Understand how to listen more attentively, much like a poet listens for subtext and emotion in the flow of conversation. You will also learn about expressing your own thoughts and feelings with greater clarity and impact. This approach helps create moments of real understanding with friends, family, and colleagues throughout the Bay Area.

In this talk, you will learn about:

• How simple comparisons can make your ideas more relatable.
• The importance of specific details in creating a shared experience.
• Using the pace of your speech to add emotional weight.
• How to listen for what is not being said directly.

You will leave with a new perspective on language and connection. The ideas presented in this online talk will help you apply these Poetry Hacks to Connect With Anyone on a Deeper Level in both your personal and professional life in Oakland and beyond.