You don't have to fill every pause. A friend starts telling you about their boss, and you've got a solution ready before they've finished the sentence. Epictetus asks you to speak only when it's needed; your unpaid consulting can wait until you've heard the whole problem.

In one conversation today, let the other person finish. Then ask: "Would you like my take, or do you want to keep talking?" Give them time to answer.

What did you miss while preparing your reply?

Let them finish,

Jon

P.S. Hit reply: who makes you feel properly listened to?