WAIT!

Why am I talking?

These are the words behind the acronym “W.A.I.T.”  I use this as an extremely helpful way to carefully consider my role in a particular conversation.  It can be useful to anyone that wants to improve the effectiveness of any human interaction. 

Many times, we find ourselves blurting out words or sounds as we talk with others that do not in any way advance the discussion or benefit the conversation.  We often forget that we have two ears but one mouth.

Remembering WAIT can help us maximize the benefit of our talking time, give respect, and generate true interest from our conversation partner.  This, ultimately, gives us a better chance of being heard.

Why am I talking?  Am I trying to provide information or educate the other party?  If so, do I know if they want this information?  If they do not want it, it may be completely useless effort on my part to speak. 

Why am I talking?  Am I trying to shut out the other person’s words or opinions?  Do they come to the conversation simply wanting me to listen for their perspective, and I am not willing to do so? 

Why am I talking?  Is it to prove someone wrong?  Is that just so I can feel better?  Whenever we attempt to prove to someone we are right, we are also slapping a label on them that they are wrong. 

Why am I talking?  Do I simply love to hear my own wisdom and share it with others?  Would it not be more valuable to ultimately find out what the other person wants or needs before going further?

There are many reasons we talk, and as humans we need the conversations.  We speak about 7,000 words pers day, on average.  Imagine how much stronger and more effective our words could be if we stopped to think, WAIT – why am I talking?  I know we would be better off if we used our 2:1 listening to speaking ratio.  This is why I am talking today.

Thank you for listening!

Contact me if you would like me to listen to you.