"كلما قلت أكثر كلما تذكر الناس أقل"

When you talk too much, people tend to tune out and remember less of what you've said. That's the essence of it. Think back to long-winded lectures or endless meetings—how much do you actually recall? Probably not much. It's a simple truth: brevity helps people retain information.

Historically, this wisdom has been echoed in various forms. The ancient Romans had a saying, “Fortune favors the bold,” suggesting action should be swift and to the point. In literature, famous writers like Shakespeare and Hemingway were masters of concise language. They knew that less can be more when it comes to making an impact.

Imagine you're at a company meeting. Your boss starts with a ten-minute spiel about the company’s direction, but then drones on for another hour about minutiae. By the end, you remember the broad strokes, but the details? They’re lost in the noise. Now, picture a different scenario. Your boss keeps it short—maybe a powerful five-minute talk—and then opens the floor for questions. You're more likely to remember key points and feel engaged.

So, how do you use this in your life? Start by being mindful of your words. When you need to communicate something important, think about the core message. What’s the one thing you want people to remember? Focus on that and strip away the rest. Practice this in everyday conversations, emails, and presentations. You'll notice people paying closer attention and recalling more of what you say.

Here's a little story to drive it home. Picture Sarah. She's a project manager who used to overwhelm her team with detailed emails. They were thorough, sure, but also long and dense. People missed deadlines because they lost track of the key points buried in the text. Frustrated, Sarah attended a workshop on effective communication. There, she learned the power of being succinct. She started to send emails that were brief, highlighting just the essentials with bullet points. The change was remarkable. Her team was more responsive, and deadlines were met more consistently.

Sarah’s approach can be a game-changer for anyone. If you often find yourself explaining too much, try this: the next time you have something important to say, write it down first. Then, cut it in half. Focus on the core message and deliver it confidently. You'll find that people not only remember more but also appreciate your clarity.

In conversations, being succinct also means being a better listener. When you say less, you give others a chance to speak. This can build stronger relationships, as people feel heard and valued. Think about a friend who always monopolizes the conversation. It’s frustrating, right? Don’t be that person. Keep it short and sweet, and watch your interactions improve.

So, next time you’re tempted to go on and on—whether you’re in a meeting, writing an email, or just chatting with friends—remember this: less is more. Say what you need to say, and then stop. People will thank you for it, and you’ll be remembered for all the right reasons.