Thoughtful Speech Quotes

Think before you speak. Read before you think. This will give you something to think about that you didn't make up yourself - a wise move at any age, but most especially at seventeen, when you are in the greatest danger of coming to annoying conclusions.

Always have something to say. The man who has something to say and who is known never to speak unless he has, is sure to be listened to.�

Listen to many, speak to a few.

The wise man thinks once before he speaks twice.

Silence - Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

A wise man first thinks and then speaks and a fool speaks first and then thinks.

Realize now the power that your words command if you simply choose them wisely.

I will begin to speak when I have that to say which had not better be unsaid.

I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.

Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.

I think everyone holds back. I am always censoring myself and I'm sorry about it. But I always have to consider whether my remarks might cause someone pain.

For words are magical formulae. They leave finger marks be hind on the brain, which in the twinkling of an eye become the footprints of history. One ought to watch one' s every word.

If people thought a quarter of what they speak, this world would be heaven.

Keep skid chains on your tongue. Say less than you think. Cultivate a pleasant voice. How you say it is often more important than what you say.

When you have nothing to say, say nothing.

He who thinks much says but little in proportion to his thoughts. He selects that language which will convey his ideas in the most explicit and direct manner.

Never insult anyone by accident.

Speake fitly, or be silent wisely.

If any man think it a small matter, or of mean concernment, to bridle his tongue, he is much mistaken; for it is a point to be silent when occasion requires, and better than to speak, though never so well.

Say not always what you know, but always know what you say.

Many times in life I've regretted the things I've said without thinking. But I've never regretted the things I said nearly as much as the words I left unspoken.

Only fools use their mouth to speak. A smart man uses his brain, and a wise man uses his heart.

Coaches? They can talk. I tell them: 'Just make sure before you open your mouth you've researched what you're about to say. Don't just say stuff. And if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything.'

The tongue should not be suffered to outrun the mind.

To speak as the common people do, to think as wise men do is style.