Think to Talk or Talk to Think?
Do you "think to talk" or "talk to think"?
Most of the time, I think to talk. But sometimes, I like to discuss things to test or develop my thinking.
Neither approach is right or wrong, and you can be both. Understanding your natural tendency, though, can help you avoid frustration and support sustainable productivity.
I spend a lot of time working alone, so I usually think (or write) before I talk. That works well for me most of the time, but occasionally, a good conversation helps me untangle my thoughts.
When I’m coaching, I think to talk. It helps me stay clear and intentional. When I’m teaching, I sometimes share my thinking as I go. I do this to explore ideas with others and show that figuring things out is part of the process.
Spending too much time thinking before talking can lead to rumination and overanalysis. It’s easy to get stuck in your own head and delay taking action. I also notice this in meetings. People who talk to think often dominate conversations, while quieter, more thoughtful contributions are easily missed.
What about you? Do you talk to think, think to talk, or a bit of both? Feel free to take any approach with your reply.
