Principle 15: Let the Other Person do a Great Deal of the Talking

Allow people to talk themselves out, and share about their business and problems.Ask questions and listen sincerely and patiently, with an open mind.Do not interrupt even if you disagree with them.

To be liked by our friends, make them feel important by allowing them to excel us and share about their accomplishments (rather than boost about ours).

We are often tempted to interrupt someone when we disagree with them. But we shouldn't interrupt - it's very dangerous. They won't pay attention to our thoughts while they still have a number of their own to express. We must listen patiently and with an open mind, and be sincere in encouraging them to share their ideas fully.

If you want enemies, excel your friends; but if you want friends, let your friends excel you.

Practice Principle 15

Fight the urge to talk about yourself by learning to be comfortable with short silences in conversation. We're often tempted to jump in and talk about ourselves when the other person stops talking, but if we stay quiet and wait for them to keep talking, chances are they will have more to say.