Think, then speak

When someone asks us a question, we feel an instant pressure to answer quickly.

• Because we “should” be able to answer the question.
• Because we don’t wish the silence before the answer to be misunderstood.

So we launch into an answer and make it up as we go along. Chance are, succinctness flies out the window.

Pro Tip: Take a second or two before you speak to collect your thoughts and settle on a message. Period.