When it comes to adding to the conversation, does your contribution add flavour? Or is it nothing more than incessant rambling that will water it down?

Take into careful consideration everything you want to add and ask yourself whether it’s a necessary component to keep the conversation going. Even if it’s to turn the conversation in a new way, treat your words like a good sauce: boil it down to its most flavourful state.

Adding too much that isn’t relevant to what’s at hand, even if you really want to say it, will water down the point you’re trying to make.

It’s something I’m conscious of every time I want to participate in a group discussion as I am guilty of watering down. My thoughts have a tendency to start in a cohesive manner, then trail off as it begins to make disparate connections.

In the end, the message is confusing.

Sometimes, it’s even best if I remain silent and let a particular topic pass. Perhaps another topic will come along where I’ll have a more firm grasp of what I need to say.

I have found the people who only speak when they restrict themselves in this manner have a strong voice. They don’t waste words and everyone pays attention.