5 reasons why you need to talk less and listen more

We live in a time when activity is valued above all else, and restraint and modesty are perceived almost as a vice. The same tendencies can be traced in communication: many are in such a hurry to throw out their rich inner world that they do not really listen to the interlocutor, turning the general dialogue into a series of separate monologues. The ability to express one's thoughts in a picturesque and quick manner is, of course, important, but the ability to listen is no less valuable. And in many cases, the skill of keeping your mouth closed and your ears open can serve you very well.

So what are the benefits of a “listening person”?

You will be able to think before you speak

Sometimes a thoughtless word can ruin a relationship, ruin a career, or become a source of other big trouble. Use your silence to think carefully and weigh every word you are about to say. After all, speed in dialogue is of secondary importance to content.

You will be able to understand your interlocutor

The main reason for many problems, big and small, is a lack of mutual understanding. Very often, a person practically does not hear the words of his opponent, but perceives only what his emotions and already formed opinion suggest. Thus, we hear not what the person actually says, but what we expect to hear from him, with all the ensuing disastrous consequences. Let's stop making up and start just listening.

You can only say what really matters

If you really decide to talk less and listen more, then this means that your words will only concern the really important things. Why shake the air in vain, waste your energy and say empty and meaningless phrases?

If you want your words to be listened to, then each of them must have a certain weight and value. If brevity is not one of your talents, then try to specifically pay your attention to express yourself in more understandable and concise phrases. Remember that one of the thirteen valuable qualities, according to Benjamin Franklin, was precisely brevity.

Silence: only say what will benefit others or you; avoid frivolous conversations.

You can get more information

If you are really interested in the topic of conversation and you want to get the most out of it, then do not rush to express your invaluable opinion and delve into controversy. First, listen to the arguments of all participants. This will probably give you more than an oratorical victory in the discussion.

You will be able to make new friends

Listening is as valuable, and sometimes even more valuable, than speaking. When a person needs to speak out, just feel attention and support, then your listening ability will be rated at the highest level. You will be able to find many friends, simply thanks to your ability to remain silent, while the eloquent wise guy who stings everyone with a sharp word will remain forever in splendid isolation.

Communication between people is a complex process in which everything must be balanced. No matter how witty and erudite you are, sometimes you should step on the throat of your own song and start listening. It is possible that you will get much more benefit from this than from the ability to speak a lot and well.