Improve Your Communication Skills In 3 Seconds

Communication skills don't always come easy, but there's a quick trick you can use to be charismatic, powerful, and persuasive in 3 seconds flat -- although it's something that terrifies most people. In this video, you'll learn why the Intentional Awkward Pause is so powerful and how you can use it to deepen relationships and help others feel heard.

Most people aren't good listeners and interrupt others all the time. But if you want better communication skills in your daily interactions, listening is key. Making others feel heard is one of the best gifts you can give.

Here's our two-part challenge for you:
1. When it comes to listening, what's your worst listening habit -- is it interrupting, planning out what you're going to say, fake listening -- like checking email or your phone, or something else?

2. Where's the single most impactful place you can start using the Intentional Awkward Pause? Is it at work, with your friends, or with your family?

Thanks for watching!

[invisipics]

Your story reminded me of the guy who invited his boss to a dinner party at home and sat him next to his wife. At the end of the evening, as he was leaving, the boss told the guy that he'd had a wonderful conversation with the guy's wife. Later, while they were clearing up in the kitchen, the guy asked his wife, "What did you say to him?" His wife replied, "Nothing. I just nodded."

[mskcgorski]

My daughter calls this, "Zip it. Lock it. Put it in yo' pocket!"... Love this and thanks for the reminder.

[WamuyuGatheru]

Some of the best speakers/lecturers take occasional pauses. Then the audience looks up and becomes even more alert - digesting whats just been said and anticipating what is to come

[fireiceheart]

My worst listening habit is pretending to listen when in fact my brain is completely shutting that person out. I'm not distracted by my other thoughts I just get bored of what's being said and I shut down

[NidaLighthouse]

I am running a real marathon watching your videos this morning. All of them are so beneficial! Thank you :) My worst habit is trying to finish other people sentences with guessing what they meant to say and I dislike this so much so I practice to stop doing that

[Miyankochan]

My worst listening habit is a very egoistic one. Someone says something about themselves and I start referring to myself immediately. Like they say: "I'm so tired today..." Instead of asking something or I dunno I start talking about how I didn't sleep well last night either.. or they say: "I have such a terrible headache." and I would say: "I know right? My head hurts since the morning..." etc ect. It's the worst.

[Funkbrenna]

I am a customer service representative for a smaller bank and I am constantly catching my self jumping in on what the customers are explaining because most of the time if there is one issue there's two. Sometimes though these issues are unique to that specific person and that's when its a killer if I would have listened fully. Will definitely be trying this one tomorrow! Thanks Marie for everything you share! 

[elizabethl.alanis]

JUST LOVE HER ENERGY!! WHO ELSE LOVES HER OUTFITS AND HAIR!!!

[MadAboutRAE]

I truly believe I am one of the very few people in this world who has EXCELLENT listening skills. Being an introvert helps with that! I am a rare find!

[mamafaker]

I work with an MLM company called Primerica, for 6 konths straight I could bearly recruit someone. Now that I've found and applied this this week I've recruited 4 people in 5 days!!! I thank you very much! And I just bearly got the ball rolling. I definatly subscirbed to you, and continue applying these methods!

[DagmarGatellseoexpert]

Reminds me so much of what I daily do, search engine optimization training and coaching. My students and clients often focus on what THEY want to say and share. Not on what the online searcher wants to HEAR.

Thank you for sharing, Marie!

[ivanmercury]

I have been attending some personal development workshops and training. One recurring theme is how under-rated listening is. In my own experience I noticed that I wait for a pause and then I jump in. After being conscious about this I noticed that very often allowing the other person to finish or keep going is quite beneficial. They provide information for you that you need and sometimes even more nuggets than you had asked for. 😀

[BarbaraVaccari_art]

Dear Marie, I was listening to your video while walking on my treadmill and ...whaaaat? Just call me a very stressful person which I need to be veeeery calm indeed and I just tried your prompt and as you did, I zipped my mouth and just listen. It wasn’t as easy but you know? It worked, so many many thanks !

[MarieBenard]

I already use this and it does work... and with men I'm dating, I often pause even longer. But it's a good reminder! It's easy to slip back into old habits so thank you!!!

[itsanniech]

My problem is that I listen too much and never have anything to say for myself because I'm afraid that I'll get interrupted..

[KylieWoolen]

This is something I have been trying to work on for a couple months now. It is very difficult and i'm really not very good at it right this moment but I am trying because I believe that you miss out on so much information when you monopolize the conversation. Thank you for the reminder

[potatochalbro]

For the first time - and I´m watching your videos for ages - I am already doing something and it is my habit. Thanks for helping me realize that!

[BillCobb]

One of the best communication tips I've received this year!

[Perryscope]

I tuned in with the intention of listening to what you had to say but found myself being highly distracted by your mesmerizing good looks. This probably sounds like a cheesy chat up line but since I'm not currently in a bar with you, it's fair to say that, this is a very truthful and sincere confession I've just made

[briang]

It was fun listening to you! Thank you for the tip, you really do know how to catch the audience's attention. The best place I could practice IAP is with my family! Thanks to my destructive listening habits and ''I know everything'', my relationship with them is not on such good terms anymore...So, I will do my best to improve!