Staying silent can be good to you at times, and it can also be useful to those around you at other times.”
It is a valuable skill to be able to express oneself. Speaking up is the finest thing we can do for ourselves and others in a variety of situations.
However, there are also instances in which we should keep mute, and learning to recognize these instances is just as important.
So, when should you speak up and when should you not? When is it appropriate to keep your cool?
1. When your judgment is clouded in the first place
The first time you should refrain from speaking up is if you are having difficulty thinking effectively. This could be due to a variety of factors. Perhaps you're exhausted, inebriated, or filled with rage or fear.
It's wiser to hold off on speaking your mind in these situations. If you don't, it's probable you'll say something you'll come to regret later.
You can talk about it later if your opinions have matured and you still think the same way, but not if you are emotionally or otherwise compromised.
2. When you're going to say something nasty.
The second time you should refrain from speaking up is when your remarks are more likely to be harmful than helpful. Sure, there are times when others need to hear the truth, no matter how painful it is, but these instances are rarer than we imagine.
Consider whether the words you wish to say will be helpful or if you are acting in a way that would harm the other person.
Because we are often angry, fatigued, or agitated when we choose to be harmful, it is sometimes helpful to remember the first point in this article and remain silent.
3. When your opinion isn't important
The second time you should refrain from speaking up is when your viewpoint is irrelevant. It's never easy to admit and accept it, but it's critical to do so, even if our ego disagrees.
When you don't know enough about a situation, other people are experts, or your opinion has little bearing on others, it's often best to remain mute.
“The best response to someone who doesn't respect your words is silence.”
4. When there isn't enough evidence
Sure, we have the right to hypothesize and speak up in some cases even if we don't have proof. This isn't always the case, though. When discussing something that will almost certainly have a significant impact on another person's bodily and mental well-being, we should not provide information that is not certain.
In some situations, hearsay is acceptable, but if our hearsay has the potential to influence a major decision, it's preferable not to say anything.
Assume a person is debating whether or not to use a potentially beneficial drug. It's better not to bring up a rumor about a friend of a friend who took that medicine and experienced negative effects unless you're sure it's true.
5. When asked to remain silent,
If admitting that your view is irrelevant is difficult for the ego, being urged to remain silent is even more difficult. In other scenarios, such as at work or in other settings, you may be requested to take a backseat, and this might make us want to speak up.
However, it is preferable to resist that urge and instead reflect. Why are we being asked to keep our mouths shut? In these cases, listening and learning can also be beneficial.
6. When you don't know what to say
It's not necessary to add something just because you think you should. Instead, you might agree with what another person has said. It can be unpleasant to declare you don't have anything to say, but it's usually preferable to speaking just to speak. Allow yourself to accept when you don't have anything else to say.
“Be careful what you say; once spoken, words can only be forgiven, not forgotten.”
