Further, when we fight the urge to talk when it\u2019s not necessary, we become better<\/a> listeners<\/a> and give others a moment in the spotlight<\/a> to share their views. Building that small mental muscle to respond to events rather than react<\/a> can make all the difference in social situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One way people have honed the skill of holding back when they feel the burning urge to speak up is the WAIT method, an acronym for the question you should ask yourself in that moment: \u201cWhy Am I Talking?\u201d Pausing to consider the question before you open your mouth can shift your focus<\/u><\/a> from \u201cbeing heard\u201d to \u201cadding value\u201d to any conversation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic<\/a> has some questions we should consider after taking a WAIT moment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The WAIT method is a good way to avoid talking too much. In work meetings, people who overtalk risk losing everyone\u2019s attention<\/a> and diluting their point to the extent that others aren\u2019t quite sure what they were trying to say. Even worse, they can come across as attention hogs or know-it-alls. Often, the people who get to the heart of the matter succinctly are the ones who are noticed and respected<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because you\u2019re commanding the attention of the room doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doing yourself any favors or helping other people in the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The WAIT method is also a great way to give yourself a breather<\/a> and let things sit for a moment during a heated, emotional discussion. It gives you a chance to cool down and rethink your goals for the conversation. It can also help you avoid saying something you regret<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if it\u2019s a work situation, like a team meeting, you don\u2019t want to be completely silent. How often should you speak up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cary Pfeffer, a speaking coach and media trainer, shared an example<\/u><\/a> of the appropriate amount of time to talk in a meeting with six people:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"tape](\"https:\/\/www.upworthy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/origin_d4c4bf.png?w=1200&quality=80\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is the WAIT method?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How much should I talk in a meeting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n