₦airaland Forum

Don’t speak too quickly

Sun, 30 Nov 2025

‘Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.’ Proverbs 29:20

When you speak too quickly, you can send the wrong signal and get results you don’t want. This is particularly so when you’re negotiating for the best deal. Speaking impulsively, and overtalking, are not signs of strength but of weakness and insecurity.

Here is a story that illustrates the point: A young computer salesman named Kurt was delighted when one of his business clients expressed interest in buying a used computer system—one that Kurt had installed two years ago but that had recently been replaced with an upgrade. After careful consultation with his head office, Kurt fixed a price of $800,000.00 for the used system and documented in writing all his reasons for requesting that amount.

As he sat down to negotiate, he heard an inner voice saying, ‘Wait. Let them do the initial talking.’ The buyers quickly filled the silence with a long rundown of their own research about this particular computer system’s strengths and weaknesses, the age of the equipment, and the need for new software.

‘Can you throw upgraded software into the deal?’ one of the buyers asked. ‘Sure,’ Kurt offered. The buyers then said, ‘We will give you $950,000.00 for the system, but not a penny more.’ Less than an hour later, the paperwork was signed, and Kurt walked away with a much better deal than he ever imagined, having said little more than thank-you.

The apostle James writes, ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak’ (James 1:19 NIV).

Btruth:
Don’t speak too quickly

Sun, 30 Nov 2025

‘Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.’ Proverbs 29:20

When you speak too quickly, you can send the wrong signal and get results you don’t want. This is particularly so when you’re negotiating for the best deal. Speaking impulsively, and overtalking, are not signs of strength but of weakness and insecurity.

Here is a story that illustrates the point: A young computer salesman named Kurt was delighted when one of his business clients expressed interest in buying a used computer system—one that Kurt had installed two years ago but that had recently been replaced with an upgrade. After careful consultation with his head office, Kurt fixed a price of $800,000.00 for the used system and documented in writing all his reasons for requesting that amount. As he sat down to negotiate, he heard an inner voice saying, ‘Wait. Let them do the initial talking.’ The buyers quickly filled the silence with a long rundown of their own research about this particular computer system’s strengths and weaknesses, the age of the equipment, and the need for new software. ‘Can you throw upgraded software into the deal?’ one of the buyers asked. ‘Sure,’ Kurt offered. The buyers then said, ‘We will give you $950,000.00 for the system, but not a penny more.’ Less than an hour later, the paperwork was signed, and Kurt walked away with a much better deal than he ever imagined, having said little more than thank-you. The apostle James writes, ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak’ (James 1:19 NIV).

lol 😂 ikeja and boys practice this well na, they will ask you "how much will you pay"? 👍👍

Chocho doesn't always end well, if you can control your mouth, half of your problems are solved. It's can be done and not difficult

An interesting read! That's why people say that the Bible is the world's best business book.

Btruth:
Don’t speak too quickly

Sun, 30 Nov 2025

‘Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.’ Proverbs 29:20

When you speak too quickly, you can send the wrong signal and get results you don’t want. This is particularly so when you’re negotiating for the best deal. Speaking impulsively, and overtalking, are not signs of strength but of weakness and insecurity.

Here is a story that illustrates the point: A young computer salesman named Kurt was delighted when one of his business clients expressed interest in buying a used computer system—one that Kurt had installed two years ago but that had recently been replaced with an upgrade. After careful consultation with his head office, Kurt fixed a price of $800,000.00 for the used system and documented in writing all his reasons for requesting that amount.

As he sat down to negotiate, he heard an inner voice saying, ‘Wait. Let them do the initial talking.’ The buyers quickly filled the silence with a long rundown of their own research about this particular computer system’s strengths and weaknesses, the age of the equipment, and the need for new software.

‘Can you throw upgraded software into the deal?’ one of the buyers asked. ‘Sure,’ Kurt offered. The buyers then said, ‘We will give you $950,000.00 for the system, but not a penny more.’ Less than an hour later, the paperwork was signed, and Kurt walked away with a much better deal than he ever imagined, having said little more than thank-you.

The apostle James writes, ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak’ (James 1:19 NIV).

Also, don't be too quick to use the reply button without thorough understanding of what you ve read

Many NL jump at post and people's comment in a haste

I agree with you.

Speak in measured cadence.

Thundafireseun:
When a fool keeps quiet he is considered a wise man

😂a foolish man keeps quite can also be a real fool 😂

femi4:
Also, don't be too quick to use the reply button without thorough understanding of what you ve read

Many NL jump at post and people's comment in a haste

This one is normal because we want our post to be available on the first page na 😂

When an individual speaks is a matter of so many factors!

Thank you OP. Silence they say is golden. Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr always warns us on saying our minds. Saying your mind can also lead one to trouble.

Btruth:
Don’t speak too quickly

Sun, 30 Nov 2025

‘Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.’ Proverbs 29:20

When you speak too quickly, you can send the wrong signal and get results you don’t want. This is particularly so when you’re negotiating for the best deal. Speaking impulsively, and overtalking, are not signs of strength but of weakness and insecurity.

Here is a story that illustrates the point: A young computer salesman named Kurt was delighted when one of his business clients expressed interest in buying a used computer system—one that Kurt had installed two years ago but that had recently been replaced with an upgrade. After careful consultation with his head office, Kurt fixed a price of $800,000.00 for the used system and documented in writing all his reasons for requesting that amount.

As he sat down to negotiate, he heard an inner voice saying, ‘Wait. Let them do the initial talking.’ The buyers quickly filled the silence with a long rundown of their own research about this particular computer system’s strengths and weaknesses, the age of the equipment, and the need for new software.

‘Can you throw upgraded software into the deal?’ one of the buyers asked. ‘Sure,’ Kurt offered. The buyers then said, ‘We will give you $950,000.00 for the system, but not a penny more.’ Less than an hour later, the paperwork was signed, and Kurt walked away with a much better deal than he ever imagined, having said little more than thank-you.

The apostle James writes, ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak’ (James 1:19 NIV).

1. This story doesn't align with the scripture. At all.
This is just confirmation bias at play. A bit disappointing.

2. If this scripture means, "Allow the other person speak first", then, no one will ever speak first.

The scripture says "in haste", which means "not having time enough to think things through first".

I am guessing you are a "hustler: trader/contractor/professional" who manipulate clueless buyers for higher amounts, calling it street smartness.

Big firms send clients final quotes. Big stores have price tag on their products.

Except if you already believe nairaland readers are majorly hustlers anyway.

E get some times where attack is the best defence,sometimes you may not have the opportunity to reply

It's good to listen more than talk more

That also doesnt mean that when u see things going wrong u just keep quiet and do nothing.

dahmie2013:
Thank you OP. Silence they say is golden. Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr always warns us on saying our minds. Saying your mind can also lead one to trouble.

There will be no trouble if u are doing the right thing.

Tayorshd87:
This one is normal because we want our post to be available on the first page na 😂

Really, never saw it from that perspective. Though sometimes you still see such comments from page 3 downward

That's why it's always very hard for me to rate a man that quickly jumps into conclusions. That shii is so feminine

Speaking too much expose your weaknesses. But I sometimes use it to appear very weak so that d other person that's relautant to talk can speak up his mind feeling am a wash.

It is also likened to self control in words and actions. I have learnt this over the years .

Chatgpt will kill una make una get sense

The story is not in line with what the Bible meant.

I also expect a Christian to behave differently in the story given.

Listen to understand instead of rushing to give your response.

Btruth:
Don’t speak too quickly

Sun, 30 Nov 2025
‘Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.’ Proverbs 29:20
When you speak too quickly, you can send the wrong signal and get results you don’t want. This is particularly so when you’re negotiating for the best deal. Speaking impulsively, and overtalking, are not signs of strength but of weakness and insecurity.

Here is a story that illustrates the point: A young computer salesman named Kurt was delighted when one of his business clients expressed interest in buying a used computer system—one that Kurt had installed two years ago but that had recently been replaced with an upgrade. After careful consultation with his head office, Kurt fixed a price of $800,000.00 for the used system and documented in writing all his reasons for requesting that amount.

As he sat down to negotiate, he heard an inner voice saying, ‘Wait. Let them do the initial talking.’ The buyers quickly filled the silence with a long rundown of their own research about this particular computer system’s strengths and weaknesses, the age of the equipment, and the need for new software.
‘Can you throw upgraded software into the deal?’ one of the buyers asked. ‘Sure,’ Kurt offered. The buyers then said, ‘We will give you $950,000.00 for the system, but not a penny more.’ Less than an hour later, the paperwork was signed, and Kurt walked away with a much better deal than he ever imagined, having said little more than thank-you.
The apostle James writes, ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak’ (James 1:19 NIV).

I've attended trainings on contract negotiation skills, the best approach is "never be the first to make an offer". That's the rule of the thumb.

TheBizGenius:
1. This story doesn't align with the scripture. At all.
This is just confirmation bias at play. A bit disappointing.

2. If this scripture means, "Allow the other person speak first", then, no one will ever speak first.

The scripture says "in haste", which means "not having time enough to think things through first".

I am guessing you are a "hustler: trader/contractor/professional" who manipulate clueless buyers for higher amounts, calling it street smartness.

Big firms send clients final quotes. Big stores have price tag on their products.

Except if you already believe nairaland readers are majorly hustlers anyway.

You have actually just proved what the guy and scripture said. .

You're already guessing and "speaking" about him being a hustler who manipulates clueless buyers.

Honnestly,"There is more hope for a fuuull than for you."

Interesting.

Interesting.

Heffalump:
I've attended trainings on contract negotiation skills, the best approach is "never be the first to make an offer". That's the rule of the thumb.

on the contrary, other schools of thought says you should be the first to make an offer. I wonder the context each can be used for.

WantsandMore:
on the contrary, other schools of thought says you should be the first to make an offer. I wonder the context each can be used for.

If you may indulge me, let me answer this question to the best of my knowledge, based on experience, expertise and exposure.

Answer? Know thyself.

Are you a hustler or a company owner?

Company owners generally have a business plan they follow all through a full year. Meetings with contractors are not as significant to them as people assume. They can always get another vendor.

If you are a contractor, professional, hustler etc, each deal feels like a "This must happen" kind of occurrence. And it should be.

My advice?

If you're a hustler, change the dynamic.

Speak first, give a final quote that suits you. And smile. Also speak a lot about the expenses of "running your own company". Why? Companies ONLY respect other companies.

If you're a company owner, also speak first.

Offer your budget and walk away if the hustler says no. Don't worry, if you calm down, you'll find another alternative soon.

Thanks for listening.

TheBizGenius:
If you may indulge me, let me answer this question to the best of my knowledge, based on experience, expertise and exposure.

Answer? Know thyself.

Are you a hustler or a company owner?

Company owners generally have a business plan they follow all through a full year. Meetings with contractors are not as significant to them as people assume. They can always get another vendor.

If you are a contractor, professional, hustler etc, each deal feels like a "This must happen" kind of occurrence. And it should be.

My advice?

If you're a hustler, change the dynamic.

Speak first, give a final quote that suits you. And smile. Also speak a lot about the expenses of "running your own company". Why? Companies ONLY respect other companies.

If you're a company owner, also speak first.

Offer your budget and walk away if the hustler says no. Don't worry, if you calm down, you'll find another alternative soon.

Thanks for listening.

This makes sense, I get the nuance's now!