One of the smartest and most respected people I know is someone who hardly says anything. He can sit in a meeting with 15 people, 5 of whom are highly opiniona

One of the smartest and most respected people I know is someone who hardly says anything. He can sit in a meeting with 15 people, 5 of whom are highly opinionated architects blasting out opinions, and just listening for moments where he can actually add something. If the end of the discussion is getting near and nobody has made his observations and points, he speaks up. Everyone stops and listens. This has made me more confident in my quiet style. It’s very helpful to know in your gut that you are respected and don’t need to hurry to be the first person to say something. You have nothing to prove. When you wait and only say something that truly advances the discussion, you become mysteriously wise.