10 Reasons to Shut Your Mouth Before it’s too Late

Leadership Communication

“Being able to effectively communicate is the most important skill any leader can possess.” Richard Branson

Leadership communication: 10 reasons to close your mouth.

#1. You dozed off.

If it doesn’t matter to you, stay out of the conversation.

#2. Listeners squirm like it’s time for a restroom break.

#3. You’re bloviating.

Everyone knows when you’re talking out of your butt.

You look stupid when you’re impressed with your own knowledge.

#4. You’re not learning.

Talking is learning in some cases. But usually, the person who talks the most learns the least.

#5. You don’t have a clear goal.

If you don’t know why you’re opening your mouth, keep it shut.

#6. You’re offering unrequested advice.

Fixers irritate listeners.

#7. No one cares.

Things that seem important to you may be irrelevant to others.

Don’t answer questions people aren’t asking.

#8. You haven’t listened.

Listening comes before speaking.

“Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones who do more listening than talking.” Bernard Baruch

#9. You’re waiting for the other person to shut up.

Every time you can’t wait for someone to stop talking – so you can spout your wisdom – the conversation is a waste of time.

#10. You don’t respect your listeners.

Always talk ‘with’. Never talk ‘at’.

Leadership communication: 12 reasons to open your mouth.

You have a goal every time you open your mouth. It helps to know what that goal is.

Why open your mouth:

1. Persuade.
2. Explain.
3. Convince.
4. Direct.
5. Challenge.
6. Correct.
7. Comfort.
8. Energize/encourage.
9. Connect.
10. Learn.
11. Listen.
12. Equip.

2 quick tips for leadership communication:

1. Practice brevity. Shut-up sooner, not later.
2. Clarify purpose. Close your mouth until you have a clear reason to open it.

Rule #1: Only open your mouth to make something better.