You know it's better to listen, yet you still find yourself doing it. Are there some tricks or techniques to help break the habit?
2006-09-25 15:49:06 · 12 answers · asked by sittingd 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Shut up. When you think about talking, shut up. How hard is that?
2006-09-25 15:50:16 · answer #1 · answered by Michael 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Think before you open your mouth. If the first word(s) you expect to say is "I" or "What I" or "You know what I," keep your lips sealed until you can think of something to say that doesn't sound quite so self-centered. It does take practice as a lot of us had to learn it the hard way.
Also, lean on someone else's expertise a bit. Help make them feel like an authority on what they do or how they make their living or how they manage keeping house with 3 little ones - just anything. The more you do it, the easier it gets. And the more you do it, the more natural it will sound. It takes time and practice - just like everything else. In no time at all, you'll be a pro!
2006-09-25 16:12:51 · answer #2 · answered by north79004487 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i know this is going to be quite difficult at first, and that when you read it you will think I am being sarcastic, but I am not. Start giving pause to things before you speak, like the great analytic minds of long ago have done. Use that time to check whatever you were going to say so that you try to never say anything with I or me in it. Never fear either, you will get better with practice. When you become less selfcentric you will begin to listen to others closer. Honestly.
2006-09-25 15:55:59 · answer #3 · answered by beverly p 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ive found that i have this problem sometimes..not necesairly about myself, but sometimes just dont know when to keep my mouth shut. Now ive figured that if im not sure whether i should say something then i probably shouldnt say it. I know that sounds like common sense, but theres a lot of people whos mouths sometimes run faster than their minds.
2006-09-25 16:02:32 · answer #4 · answered by Autumn M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like DB Cash's answer-its right on, people love to talk about themselves, ask questions and listen.
If you realize this, you are already a step ahead of the game. Try to be concious of it when people are talking-you'll get your turn.
I find myself guilty of yacking on and on about myself too, or if someone is telling a story, Ive always got to compare their situation to mine. I saw this trait in someone else and really didnt like it..then realized *I* do it! I learned to listen and NOT always be the center of attention. (that part is hard!)
2006-09-25 16:14:51 · answer #5 · answered by ShaMayMay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've already taken the first step relaizing this is an issue for you. Now that you are aware of it, pay attention to what you say before you say it,,,habits are hard to break, but with persistance you can do it.
2006-09-25 15:51:35 · answer #6 · answered by Lola 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask questions of others and get them to talk. then respond with positive comments and keep the subject on them. It works! It will make you very popular. People love to talk about themselves
2006-09-25 15:54:18 · answer #7 · answered by DB Cash 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a person finishes speaking ask a question back about what he just said. A simple question.
2006-09-25 16:00:30 · answer #8 · answered by itwasashark 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to the person talking, really listen and dont think about responding...just listen.
2006-09-25 15:51:07 · answer #9 · answered by NOIZE 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Grow up. It is a teenage habit to be so self centered. You will outgrow it.
2006-09-25 15:50:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋