The simple 1 second rule will make you more popular and respected

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Just by hesitating to answer, you can change the other person's perception of you and gain respect.

Hundreds of books and articles have been written on how to succeed, but one of the best advice comes from Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich: “Think twice before you say something, because your words and influence will sow the seeds success or failure in the minds of listeners."

This general rule can be reduced to a simple trick that instantly makes you more popular and respected during a conversation.

Take a second before answering.

This slight change in the way you speak can be very beneficial. And this is how it works.

1. You don't interrupt others

When we interrupt the interlocutor, we express our disrespect for him. If we interrupt because we know what he was going to say, we also imply that he is boring and predictable.

And when we hesitate to answer, we show the interlocutor that he and his opinion are not indifferent to us. We show respect, so we get respect in return.

2. You have time to concentrate

Most people in business negotiations use the “Shoot Without Aim” approach as described by Michael Masterson (that is, speak without thinking). Or they are so carried away by the conversation that they blur out unnecessary information.

However, every conversation should have a specific purpose, especially in business. Otherwise, why start a conversation at all? By hesitating to answer, you will be able to find the right words that will benefit both you and your interlocutor.

3. It is easier for you to express your thoughts

Many people use parasitic words in conversation as bundles ("like", "a …", "you understand"). This gives you some time to think about the next phrase. Only such speech sounds indistinct and unconvincing.

If you think about the answer, you can have time to get together and clearly formulate your thought.

4. You seem smarter

Nobody respects those who speak incessantly and do not listen to the interlocutor. If you stop before answering, you will be considered thoughtful, and your words will be listened to.

This trick will not only help you gain more respect at work, but it will also strengthen your relationship with loved ones. After all, every time you ponder your words, you are expressing love and respect. And this is very important in any relationship.