Keep Yourself from Rambling with the "Traffic Light Rule"

you’re free to avoid ruining a good conversation by keeping a simple rule in mind.

When you talk to someone, their brain normally goes through a few simple stages in the listening process.

They might be interested in listening at first, but their attention will quickly dissolve into complete disinterest.

At the 40-second mark, your light is red.

Remember, a good conversation is like a tennis match with a lot of back and forth.

So when you start talking about somethingespecially yourselfnotice how long you take to get your thoughts out.

Could you be getting the same point across with fewer words?

How to Know If You Talk Too Much| Harvard Business Review

Photo byJohn Morton.