"نیمی از جهان از افرادی تشکیل شده است که حرفی برای گفتن دارند و نمی‌توانند بگویند و نیم دیگر از کسانی که حرفی برای گفتن ندارند و مدام آن را می‌گویند"

This quote captures an interesting paradox about communication and the human experience. On the one hand, there are people who have valuable insights, experiences, and thoughts, but for some reason—fear, shyness, lack of opportunity—they struggle to express them. On the other hand, there’s a group that might not have much substance to share but dominates conversations with their incessant chatter.

Let's go back in time for a bit. The quote resonates with the kind of societal observations you could find during any era, especially one marked by rapid social change. Think of the 20th century, a period of immense transformation and upheaval. People from all walks of life were grappling with new ideas, yet the platforms for sharing these ideas were limited. It’s plausible that in such a context, someone would look around and see this discrepancy in who gets to talk and who doesn't.

Now, imagine you’re in a team meeting at work. There’s Bob, who’s always talking. He’s got opinions on everything, from the color of the office walls to the strategic direction of the company. But honestly, not much of what Bob says is particularly insightful. He just likes the sound of his own voice. Then there’s Lisa, who’s got brilliant ideas. She’s thought through the project meticulously, identified potential pitfalls, and has some creative solutions. But Lisa’s quiet. She doesn’t jump in and her ideas often go unheard. You can see how this imbalance impacts the team’s success.

So, how can we take this wisdom and apply it to our own lives? First, if you’re someone who feels unheard, start by finding small, safe spaces to share your thoughts. This might be in a smaller meeting, a one-on-one with a colleague, or even writing them down and sharing them via email. Build your confidence bit by bit. For those who find themselves talking a lot, it’s worth developing the habit of listening more. Count to ten in your head before responding. Ask more questions. Give others the space to contribute.

Here’s a scenario to illustrate this: Imagine you’re at a family dinner. Uncle Joe is holding court, as usual, talking about his latest golf game, his theories on the economy, and that one time he met a celebrity. Your cousin, Sarah, who just got back from an educational trip to Africa, is trying to share her experiences. But every time she starts, Uncle Joe cuts in. You see her retreat into herself, her excitement dimming. What if you stepped in? You could redirect the conversation, “Hey Uncle Joe, that’s interesting, but Sarah was just about to tell us about her trip. Sarah, what was the most impactful part of your journey?” By doing this, you’re helping balance the conversation, giving space to those who have something meaningful to contribute.

In essence, it's about being mindful of the dynamics of conversation and recognizing the value in what others might have to say. It requires a bit of self-awareness and a willingness to step back or step up as needed. Next time you’re in a conversation, think about this balance. Listen actively. Encourage the quieter voices. And if you’re one of those quieter voices, find your moments to speak up. Your insights are valuable and deserve to be heard.