Don’t Speak, Unless…

ByMatthew

“Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.” – Plato

I have read that one should not speak unless it improves upon the silence.

It’s good advice.

One thing I am working on (improving) is my word economy. Sometimes I talk too much. I offer more detail than  requested or needed.

Many of us could all improve in this area.

But, more fundamentally, we need to ask ourselves, will speaking improve things? In that we place great meaning and import in words, will what we say add to the situation?

Often times the answer is no.

Consider developing the habit of considering your words before speaking.

Will it improve the situation?

Will others be better off for our having spoken?

Will it improve upon the silence?

Or are we speaking just to talk?

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