In meetings, quick thinkers often dominate — with sharp comments, confident opinions, and instant reactions. But is being fast really better?
In this short video, I share a story from a coaching session with a client who felt he wasn’t quick enough in meetings. We discovered that his slower, more thoughtful approach was actually a strength — a sign of reasoning, not hesitation.
I also reveal a simple rule I now use in coaching and training:
Will this help my audience?”
If not — don’t say it.
Holding back can feel risky in competitive environments, but over time, thoughtful communication wins trust, clarity, and respect.
What about you?
Do you ever feel pressured to speak faster, or to fill the silence?
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⸻ 👉 Full text:
You know, a valued client said something to me yesterday that really struck a chord.
He said: “I’m just not fast enough in meetings.”
Other people, he explained, seem to jump in quicker — sharp remarks, bold suggestions, quick wins.
Meanwhile, he tends to hold back.
And what’s the result?
Well… actually, it’s not bad at all.
He doesn’t say things he later regrets.
He doesn’t add noise to the conversation.
He doesn’t derail discussions with half-baked ideas.
But — he does feel he’s missing out.
He wonders: “Was the other guy more impressive? Did he score more points with the boss?”
[Coach insight tone – thoughtful, conversational]
When we unpacked this together, we realized that thinking slow isn’t such a bad thing.
It means reasoning rather than reacting.
The only downside?
It can feel like a missed opportunity — especially when the fast talkers seem to dominate the room.
Then, after the session, I realized something.
My client was doing naturally what it took me years to learn.
To shut up — when I should.
Early in my career, I didn’t do that.
I thought quick contributions showed competence.
Now, I use a simple rule — whether I’m coaching or training:
“Will this help my audience?”
If not — don’t say it.
That one filter cuts out a ton of self-serving anecdotes, clever one-liners, and other… verbal pollution.
So, congratulations to my client —
for having the uncommon sense to hold back in meetings and only speak when it truly adds value.
Sure, it might win fewer points in the short term…
but I’m convinced he’ll cross the finishing line well ahead in the long run.
What about you?
Do you ever feel pressured to talk fast in meetings — just to keep up?
Maybe thinking slow is actually your hidden strength.
⸻ 👉 To go further:
Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman (this link is to a video, but Kahneman also wrote the canonical book on this topic, with the same title)
#CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #Meetings #ActiveListening #ExecutivePresence
