In a social gathering or a serious discussion:

• Have control over what you say. 
• Slow down.
• Instead of blurting out whatever comes to your mind, take a pause and evaluate.

• Subtly nod, respond non-verbally and maintain eye contact while listening.
• Paraphrasing what the person is saying is tricky as it can lead to misjudgment.
• Encourage the person to speak more, elaborating on what is meant. 

Stay silent but if you have to talk, it should not be ordinary small talk.

Meaningful talk and quality words are infinitely better than wasting breath on the weather and other common topics.

When we're young, we say what we feel like, not caring or not knowing about the consequences.

As we grow older, going through the roller coaster of life, we tend to become silent, owing to the wisdom that comes with the experiences of life.

When someone is coming to you for advice, you have to listen, with intent. You are not supposed to jump into a conclusion and start dishing out advice.

Usually, people just want someone to listen to their problems.

We communicate with each other as a habit but miss a lot in what a conversation really holds.

Our lack of listening skills, our inner chatter, and the urge to speak about ourselves is clouding any real, worthwhile exchange of words.