You know, people who speak less often sound wiser when they finally do. It’s a simple truth, but one that completely changes how you’re perceived in meetings and conversations.
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Meaning
It’s not about being silent. It’s about strategic communication. Your words gain weight because you’ve chosen them carefully, not just filled the air with sound.
Explanation
Here’s the thing I’ve seen play out a thousand times in boardrooms and brainstorming sessions. The person who talks constantly? Their voice becomes background noise. It’s the law of diminishing returns in action. But the individual who listens, who processes, who waits? When they finally lean in and speak, the entire room leans in with them. It creates a powerful contrast. Your silence builds a kind of anticipation. And when you break it with a thoughtful point, it lands with so much more impact. It signals confidence, not insecurity. You’re not speaking to hear yourself talk; you’re speaking because you have something to say. It’s a game-changer.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Skill (416) |
| Topics | communication (196), influence (70), timing (16) |
| Literary Style | minimalist (442) |
| Emotion / Mood | serene (54), thoughtful (16) |
| Overall Quote Score | 79 (243) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s 1999 book, How to Talk to Anyone, published in the United States. You’ll sometimes see similar sentiments misattributed to ancient philosophers, but this specific, powerful phrasing is all Lowndes.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Leil Lowndes (235) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (185) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | People who speak less often sound wiser when they finally do |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1999; ISBN: 978-0-07-141858-4; Last edition: 2018; Number of pages: 368. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: The Power of Fewer Words; Approximate page from 2003 edition: 374 |