"Talk less": Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary reveals entrepreneurial secrets on how to get others talking

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary shared some entrepreneurial "secrets" via an Instagram clip on November 14, 2024. In the video, Kevin mentions that one of the key moments during a conversation, especially an interview, is talking "less," which is essential.

O'Leary Ventures chairman stated that staying silent during such situations "makes them spill" all the details. He referred to himself and how he used to do "all the talking"; however, now, he "listens." While sharing more on the subject, the Shark Tank mentor captioned the Instagram post with:

"Want the real secrets? Talk less, listen more. The best CEOs know how to get others talking, especially when silence makes them spill all the details. I used to be the guy doing all the talking, but now? I listen. Throw in some wine, a little silence, and watch them tell you everything you need to know."

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Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary reveals how focusing on the "signal" and not the "noise" helps individuals get more information

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary mentions an interesting concept where he mentioned focusing on "signal" and not talking much. He suggested that individuals need to "listen more" than the talking.

Stating the essential of doing such, Kevin shared:

"Ones that are focused on signal don't talk much. They listen more. The extrovert CEOs speaks two-thirds of the time. I used to do that and listened a third. Signal seekers speak a third of the time and listen two-thirds. Because they can't get the information without listening, and they use it as a tool."

Further in the clip, the Shark Tank's mentor shared an example, a scenario that could greatly help young entrepreneurs. It was about what he meant when he said he focused on "signal." He mentioned a case where the interviewer sometimes comes across "uncomfortable" silence.

So, while interviewing a candidate, say "head of sales or the CEO," if you are silent, they will soon start filling the "void." As a result, the candidate will end up sharing "more information" than they had planned.

"They'll give you more information they intended to because they're nervous that you're not talking. I use it all the time now. It's fantastic. With a bottle of wine it works," he shared.

Sharing more personal experiences, the Shark Tank mentor stated that he first meets the head of sales whenever he acquires a new company. To get an overall idea of everything for the company he is going to invest in, Kevin O'Leary suggested that meeting the head of sales would be a good start.

Further on the meeting, he suggested adding wine followed by "silence." Soon, they would "start spewing" all their stuff, as Kevin had experienced himself.

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Viewers can catch Kevin O'Leary on Shark Tank's latest episodes, which are aired on Fridays on Hulu.