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.
Share Image Quote: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.
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
Official Website |Facebook | X | YouTube |
| 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 |
In her book, this isn’t presented as a solitary piece of advice. It’s woven into a larger strategy for building rapport and influence. It’s one of the 92 “tricks” designed to help you succeed in relationships by mastering the unspoken rules of communication.
So, how do you actually use this? Let me give you a couple of scenarios.
First, in team meetings. Instead of jumping in with the first idea, let the initial flurry of suggestions pass. Then, synthesize. Say something like, “So if I’m hearing everyone, the core challenges are X and Y. What if we approached it from this angle?” You instantly become the strategic voice.
Second, for leaders and managers. When an employee brings you a problem, resist the urge to immediately solve it. Ask a few questions, listen, and then offer your condensed wisdom. It shows you value their input and that your guidance is considered.
This is gold for new managers, introverts, and anyone in a client-facing role where every word matters.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Theme | Wisdom (1754) |
| Audiences | coaches (1277), leaders (2619), professionals (751), speakers (91), students (3111) |
| Usage Context/Scenario | leadership lessons (27), public speaking training (5), self-control coaching (1), team meetings (67) |
Question: Does this mean I should never speak up in a fast-paced meeting?
Answer: Not at all. It’s about quality over quantity. It’s better to make two impactful points than ten forgettable ones. Choose your moments.
Question: How do I avoid coming across as quiet or disengaged?
Answer: Your non-verbals do the talking. Nod, maintain eye contact, use facial expressions. Show you’re actively listening, not just waiting for your turn to talk.
Question: Is this just for introverts?
Answer: Honestly, it’s arguably more important for extroverts to learn. It’s the discipline of pausing, of filtering. It turns natural chatter into powerful communication.
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