Increase the power of the pause Take a deep breath, count to five, and organize your thoughts before speaking. According to experts, a three-to-five-second break is sufficient to help you rethink, concentrate, and dampen the excitement that leads you to over-communicate. It's called the "think-pause-speak" model. When you apply this theory to communication problems, you get some powerful solutions. For example: If someone is yelling at you, stop and think for three to five seconds before responding. This time delay helps you remain calm and collected even under pressure. The think-pause-speak model can also be applied to non-verbal communications. A person with body language issues may have trouble thinking before speaking or listening. They may also have problems pausing after saying something to give themselves time to reflect on what they've just done. In conclusion, being aware of these skills and techniques will help you communicate more effectively both verbally and non-verbally.