Do you know how to “think before you speak?”
Communication is a fundamental skill required to successfully live.
Although intellect is also an asset, thinking well is also a skill to be learned. And part of thinking is “think before you speak.”
Many of us are pretty careless with our words. And the words we use are pretty powerful. They can be used to be helpful or hurtful. This in turn can lead to a creative or positive reaction.
Our choice of words will show our listeners that you are either intelligent or ignorant.
When our words are constantly coming out negative (whether you mean it or not), they have the power to create bad habits and a negative lifestyle. And once words are spoken, they are hard to apologize for.
Watch this video to find out more about how to think before you speak. 
It can also be found on my Facebook Group page, or on my Youtube channel.
Table of Contents
Developing Healthy Habits
Thinking before you speak is a really good habit to master. It helps when avoid causing trouble in relationships, work, and all other aspects of your life.
So what happens when we don’t think before we speak?
- You’re more likely to make badly informed statements that will destroy your credibility.
- You may hurt someone even if you thought your intentions were good.
- When we are on defense, we tend to react to emotions versus thinking rationally.
Becoming more self-aware of the power of our ego makes it easier to maintain.
And if what we are saying is negative, thinking beforehand will help us be more tactful and also help us understand how the offset a negative vibe with a positive vibe.
Have a Plan
Speaking occurs quickly. Many times there is not a lot of thought put into speaking. With that being said, though we do have the ability to control our tongue. And it all starts with listening and understanding before opening your mouth.
It’s up to you to control your tongue. And keep in mind you are responsible for what comes out of your mouth.
Say what you mean and stand behind it. Take responsibility.
There are two excellent techniques for learning to “think before you speak. ” They are (1) find you internal “pause” button and (2) use the THINK acronym.
The internal “pause” button
The voice in your head may be saying one thing, but it’s your “pause button” that will allow you to decipher if something is needed to be said out loud.
1. Know your triggers
Pay attention to the way you feel when you are conversing. Do you feel hot, or nauseated? Perhaps you get a cold chill or maybe you are relaxed or relieved.
When you learn these triggers they will play a part in your “pause button.” Remember, we react a lot with our emotions versus with rationality.
2. Mentally say to yourself “pause”
We all learn and remember things differently. Learning can be done by hearing, saying, and seeing. Mentally saying “pause” and then visioning the same will assist in thinking before you speak.
For instance, one might visualize a big “X” to pause and think or you might think of grabbing the tv remote and thinking “pause.”
3. Don’t forget to breath
Take a deep breath. This gives you time to think allowing your brain to also get extra oxygen.
I often do this during interviews too. Taking deep breaths before you answer questions or respond to others, gives you time to collect your thoughts instead of rambling.
4. Observe
Listen to others during the conversation and observe how others are responding.
“Knowledge speaks and wisdom listens. ”
~ Unknown
You may feel there is an obligation to say something, but this is not always the case. Listen to your thoughts while getting to know your audience.
5. Mentally press “play”
You can start speaking once you go through steps 1-4. But, keep in mind, you need to be mindful.
As with anything else, while training your brain to run a marathon, learn a new hobby, change your mindset, this is something new. This is something different. It’s going to take time to learn, so be patient with yourself.
The THINK acronym
Another great tool to use would be the THINK acronym.
This practice will help you:
- take control
- talk less and listen more
- make good decision
THINK:
- T=True
- H=Helpful
- I=Inspiring
- N=Necessary
- . K=Kind
Do you notice anything about these words? They are all positive words!
True. Is what you are saying true? When you lie or give misinformation, it hurts others.
Helpful. Are you being helpful to the other person? Are you giving good advice?
Inspiring. Do you inspire others? Do you have the influence to prompt others to do amazing things.
Necessary. Do your words have any value? Do they need to be said?
Kind. You have heard of the quote “If you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all.” Be kind because words can hurt people.
Final Thoughts
The “THINK” concept can be applied to other forms of communication, not just verbal communication. It can be used in social media when we are posting. Perhaps in that email, you need to write you might apply these techniques. Or maybe that text you are about to shoot, you may need to think about before pushing send.
Saying the wrong things at the wrong time can damage relationships and friendships. It can cause trust issues and disturb other people’s mental health and possibly your own.
Take care and Think Me First 
!
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