How can I learn to talk less?

Question

I've a habbit of talking too much and it leads me to alot of conflicts .. fights actually. I want to learn to be able to control my words and reactions. "think before speak", I don't know how to do that...what steps can i take to master it.

Answer 1

Learn to listen. and if you can't do that, then talk, but play the audience, put your beliefs aside and agree with everyone to keep the peace. talk about the weather and yourself, keep away from subjects that include religion, politics, and other people until you learn to listen more. Learn to be more considerate, lots of people don't really want to hear the truth even if they say they do.....Just listen, put duct-tape over your mouth if you have to, or sit quietly and observe a group of people for awhile without talking.....give it a try. good luck

Answer 2

What's so hard about thinking before you speak? Before the words ever leave your mouth, run them by your brain. Ask yourself if this is the right thing to say. Will this offend someone, or start a fight? Should I keep my mouth shut and not say anything?

Secondly, talk less and listen more. I'm wondering if your problem is not so much controlling your words as controlling your aggressiveness or anger. Excessive talking shouldn't lead to fights, so there's a clue right there. If your speech leads to hostility, you need to address that, and you might benefit from some anger management classes before you get into some real trouble.

Answer 3

The easiest way to slow the tongue is to teach the two vocabularies in every language. Once you realize they are teasing you with hand communication and different word meanings your tongue will freeze real quick. You will find serious depression if you are not careful to make new friends. It is not your fault to be an outsider It is just life.

Answer 4

Too make sure your listening, and hearing what someone Is saying, WATCH THEIR LIPS, when they are speaking. By doing this, your full attention will be on them, and not thinking about what YOU have to say! People like to be around people who like to hear about them, but of course to a degree! You know that old saying "The world does NOT revolve around YOU, and your life-you know!". No-one wants to sit and listen to a one-sided conversation, we pay big bucks to hear them talk (President) . Get it? Good luck!!!

Answer 5

Two suggestions:

1) Try group therapy. People give you feedback on how you talk to them and what they think of you, but it is kept safe because a therapist is right there.

2) Try Toastmasters: www.toastmasters.com. It's a group that gives you opportunities to speak and to listen, and they also give you feedback.

Answer 6

Its just exactly what you said. Think before you speak. You need to discipline yourself to take it easy.

Before you wanna say something to someone, STOP.
Let them finish what they are trying to say.
Listen to them.
Ask them further (e.g; and then? so? that's it? what happens next?)
Understand their views
Think of other possible answer from the one you have thought of
Most importantly, Be considerate of your reply so that you dont offend that person.

Answer 7

Sounds goofy, but take time and listen to others. Don't be so quick to jump the gun.

Answer 8

ask yourself, how would i feel if someone said this to me

Answer 9

put something in it....wink wink