Let me be blunt. Most people do not listen. Yes, Harriet Lerner, if only people listened as passionately as they talked. If only. Sigh.

We have to remember that fact whenever we are speaking. Whether we are on the phone, in a meeting or at a party.

Literally, do not waste your breath if you haven’t asked yourself: what’s the point? Why should they care?

It goes for toddlers as well as teenagers, potential investors as well as potential employers, friends as well as family.

It often takes some time to figure it out. But if you don’t want to waste your breath, get to their point.