There are several ways you should think about what you say. Not everyone thinks about what they say, and it is a travesty. Everyone tells you to think before you speak, but there are more times to think. You should think before you speak, think while you are speaking, and think about what you say afterward.
The most important thing is to think before you speak, but seldom do people think after that. They are too busy saying new things to reflect on what was said.
Thinking while you speak is very important. This includes reading the room, speaking at the right moment, and context. Just because something is true does not mean it is appropriate.
Thinking after you speak is how you learn. If you pay attention, you can see all the steps of communication as they played out. You can see the entire conversation and know how it ended. With this information, you can learn to be a better linguist.
There are three ways you should filter everything you say. First, you should ask yourself if it is true. If it may not be, you have no business repeating it.
Even if something is true, it does not mean it is useful. Is this information going to benefit anyone? Are you just telling them to try to appear smart or useful yourself? Does it come from a place of ego, or love?
The last thing you should ask yourself is, is it good? There is plenty to say in life, and not all of it is entertaining or beneficial. Are your words going to add to the value of the moment or take away from it? Are you introducing sadness to a birthday party? That is not good. Are you bringing pride to a funeral? Are you bringing shame to a wedding?
Now that you have learned to think in three ways, thrice, about what you say, you are thrice more enjoyable to converse with than anyone who does not put this effort in.
There are three other ways to think about what you say. Why are you saying it? Be careful opening your mouth if you are angry, feeling envious, jealous, or irritated. If you criticize someone, you will reveal your hidden negative feelings toward them. No one wants a critical friend.
Are you saying it to be special? Do you want to establish significance among a group? Get people to like you, or impress them? This shows your insecurity, and whatever you say with these intentions will befall catastrophe.
Consider your audience. Silence is better than saying something damaging. Everyone will trust you if you are quiet; they will tell you their secrets easily.
It has been said that it is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and reveal you truly are.
I am sure there are three other ways to think about what you say, Sancho, but I am currently at a loss for words. Today I learned this lesson once again. I realize it a lot, and that is because it needs to be reinforced. Remember, you can only get more clever by being less clever than you are going to be.
DQuixote 