[I want to ask you to] listen more than you speak

Learning to listen more than speak can be a valuable skill in a number of different contexts, from personal relationships to work and community settings.

Here are a few tips for cultivating this skill:

1. Practice active listening: Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker and engaging with what they are saying. This can involve making eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions. By actively listening, you show the speaker that you value their thoughts and feelings and are interested in what they have to say.
2. Hold back on the urge to interrupt: It can be tempting to interrupt when we have something to say, but it is important to resist this urge and allow the speaker to finish their thought. Interrupting can be disrespectful and can prevent the speaker from fully expressing themselves.
3. Reflect on what you heard: After the speaker has finished, take a moment to reflect on what you heard. This can involve paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker said, or asking questions to clarify your understanding.
4. Seek out opportunities to listen: In order to cultivate the skill of listening more than speaking, it is important to seek out opportunities to listen. This can involve volunteering to be a listener in a support group or joining a discussion group where the focus is on listening and learning from others.
5. Practice mindfulness: By being present in the moment and focusing on your own thoughts and feelings, you can better engage with the speaker and be more fully present in the conversation. This can involve activities such as meditation, yoga or simply taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your surroundings.
6. Be open to learning: When we listen more than we speak, we open ourselves up to learning from others. This can involve learning about different perspectives and experiences, and can help us to expand our own understanding and knowledge.
7. Be respectful: When we listen more than we speak, we show respect for the speaker and for their thoughts and feelings. This can foster a sense of trust and understanding in our relationships and can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling interactions.

Conclusion

Learning to listen more than speak can be a valuable skill in a number of different contexts. By practicing active listening, holding back on the urge to interrupt, reflecting on what you heard, and being open to learning, you can cultivate this skill and create more meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others.

[I want to ask you] what your best advice is?