Say Less, Mean More 💬
"The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply." — Stephen R. Covey
"Effective communication is not simply about speaking. It is about speaking with precision, listening with intention, and engaging with a willingness to understand and be understood."
Ever tried explaining yourself, only to feel like you were shouting into the void? Like your words were bricks, stacking higher and higher but never quite forming a bridge?
Not long ago, I had a conversation, well, an argument, that made me realize how easy it is to talk at someone instead of with them. I kept pressing my point, repeating myself, trying to force my words into their mind.
Meanwhile, I barely registered what they were saying.
I wasn’t listening. I was just waiting for my turn to speak.
And here’s the thing, when both people do that, nobody actually hears anything. Conversations turn into battlegrounds instead of connections. Words become weapons. And the only thing that grows is distance.
Real communication isn’t about how loud or persistent you are, it’s about understanding. It’s about listening, not just hearing sounds, but absorbing what’s being said, with the intent to understand rather than simply waiting to reply.
That’s the difference between making noise and making an impact.
Next time you’re in a conversation, try this:
Pause before you reply. Give yourself two extra seconds before speaking.
Repeat back the core of what they said. Something like, “So what I hear you saying is…” This forces you to actually process their words.
Lower your voice. Seriously. People mirror tone. The calmer you are, the calmer the conversation becomes.
Try it. You might be surprised at how much more powerful your words become when they’re paired with genuine understanding.
"The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply." — Stephen R. Covey
A conversation isn’t a battle to be won, it’s a chance to truly connect. And real connection only happens when you stop waiting for your turn to speak and start making space for someone else’s truth.
Have you ever felt unheard—even when you were speaking your loudest? Or maybe you've experienced a moment where truly listening changed the direction of a conversation?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Drop a comment, share a story, or let me know how today’s Healing Text is showing up in your life. Let’s make this a space for real conversations.
Most people don’t argue to “win.” They just want to feel understood. They want to know their words matter, that they’re being heard by someone who truly sees them.
When you speak, do it with clarity. When you listen, do it with intention. Do both, and you’ll realize communication isn’t just about words, it’s about connection.
And connection is where real change begins.
Keep speaking your truth. Keep listening for theirs.
— Ryan Puusaari
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