Mark Bell's Power Project

How Words Shape Us: Marshall Jones on Tone, Truth & Influence

29 snips
Dec 8, 2025
Marshall Jones, a communication coach and competitive poet, dives into the art of effective communication. He explores how everyday phrases like 'How are you?' often prompt dishonest replies and suggests alternatives for genuine conversations. The discussion covers the emotional impact of language on our bodies, the importance of congruency between tone and words, and how to improve active listening. Marshall also shares techniques for mastering public speaking and using gestures to convey authority, making this a transformative conversation on influence and connection.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ADVICE

Ask Directional Questions

  • Avoid asking “How are you?” as an automatic opener because it invites surface lies.
  • Instead ask directional questions like “Where are you heading?” or “What sucks?” to invite truth.
INSIGHT

Use Observational Invitations

  • Saying “long day” signals observation of effort without blaming the person.
  • That phrase reduces defensive masks and creates space for sharing.
ANECDOTE

Cracking Risky Jokes Worked

  • Marshall met Stevie Wonder and joked about blind martial arts training.
  • He used humor with a blind practitioner and they all laughed, showing risk-managed rapport.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app