“We speak from the depths of our knowledge and the limits of our understanding”

There were times when I used to think I knew a lot and made it a point to speak about it at the slightest opportunity. “I have to say something” was the clear intent. I was unaware that I was doing this. Nor little did I know that maturity is not about “I have to say something, but it’s about the state, “I have something to say, and so I speak.

One of my friends one day pointed out to me in a very subtle manner by mentioning that this line, “People only speak when they have something to say and do not want to say something”. This really struck a chord with me. I started to dwell on this. I realized the reasons for it, and it had to do a lot with my keen interest in the subject, and at the core of my being was “sharing and learning”.

In addition, I also realized that I intended to “show off” my knowledge. One wonderful thing happened: the moment I realised this was happening, the intent to share for “show off” completely vanished. However, the point of “I have something to say” did not leave me. Of late, I have slowly traversed to the point where I share only if there is a need to. Otherwise, I am fine listening to people.

Now, coming to the other dimension, which was literally fallout from the above-mentioned exercise. I realised that we can speak about things that we know and may not understand, or speak about things that we understand. At times, I have had conversations with people wherein I did not know about the topic, and I have asked my friends to enlighten me on that. They have been kind enough to share their knowledge and experience about the topic with me.

I wanted to be a better communicator and leader. I realised that while how we speak is critical, the right content to speak is also equally important. I started a small habit. To read every day for 15 minutes about a topic that I was not aware of, and spend about 1 hour watching television to catch up with the latest news and happenings around the world.

Key Learning: We speak from what we know or understand. If we need to be more effective with our content in our conversations, the only way is to keep learning and updating ourselves.

Chetlur S Prasad

PS: Friends, please do share your comments about this blog, and let us all learn from one another.