Skip to content

Communication Quote by Jonathan Berent

“The Information Exchange Good conversationalists know how to balance speaking and listening. Check the scale once in a while. If you are talking too much, subtly offer the other person a chance (with a follow-up question such as, “What do you think?”). If you have been listening passively try to…” quote by Jonathan Berent
Download Open image
““ The Information Exchange Good conversationalists know how to balance speaking and listening. Check the scale once in a while. If you are talking too much, subtly offer the other person a chance (with a follow-up question such as, “What do you think?”). If you have been listening passively try to interject a comment or two. To make sure there is the right amount of give-and-take in your conversation, imagine that the two of you are sharing a microphone. To be polite, and create the most satisfying conversation possible, offer your point of view, and then pass the microphone to your partner.””

Jonathan Berent

About This Quote

Source Article: Communication Skills, The Information Exchange, 2023

Effective dialogue requires balancing speaking and listening, using cues like offering questions and sharing the conversational “microphone.”

In simple terms: Talk and listen equally for better conversations.

Key Takeaway

Share, listen, then pass the turn.

Themes

communication listening balance conversation

Mood

engaged thoughtful

Type

advice practical

When to use this quote

  • networking events
  • team meetings
  • customer service
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

active listening reciprocity social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you tell when you’re dominating a conversation?
  • What signals show it’s time to hand over the microphone?
A Different Perspective

May be hard to gauge when to speak without interrupting; timing varies by culture.

3.0 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Jonathan Berent

Explore all 113 Jonathan Berent quotes

More Communication quotes

Browse all 21,554 Communication quotes