Listen before speaking

When someone is talking, take it as an opportunity to improve your listening.

Don’t think about the next thing to say.

Don’t critique what they are saying in your head.

Listen.

Really listen.

And when they’re ready, acknowledge what they said.

Acknowledge it, and clarify it.

Make sure you’ve really heard them.

Then, you can think about your own opinion.

Maybe you don’t even need to say it.

Sometimes people just want to be heard.

So don’t make it about you. Make it about them.

Do you need to say anything at all?

Maybe just listen.