I recommend the following daily practices:
Make an effort to not interrupt a person speaking. Often, when we talk to others, we do not have the patience to listen. We hear a few words and very quickly we start anticipating what the other person will say. We even try to finish their sentences which is not very helpful, particularly for the person who is talking
Pay attention to people and understand who you are speaking to. Try to answer the following questions. What do they want? What is bothering them?
Pay attention to people’s intonation and voice. Is it sad or happy? Does the person sound confident or hesitant?
Avoid commenting, judging or advising regarding what you listening about.
Listen and engage your mind and heart
Reduce your speaking time.
I noticed that if one has a tendency to talk a lot it takes quite an effort to control this urge. It will take time, effort and mastery to possess the art of keeping silent and saying less than necessary.
I practice simple techniques to overcome my urge to talk a lot:
When planning a day I make a written note that programs me to reduce my speaking time by 80%
I make an effort to engage in active listening
I wear a bracelet that reminds me that I should control my urge to speak a lot
Instead of speaking, I use eye contact and other body language signs to interact with others, I let others speak more
I speak only when it is absolutely necessary and I try to keep silent otherwise.
Before saying anything I ask myself: is it necessary? how it can be interpreted? what are the dangers and consequences of my words?
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