Consider how important they are and if they are actually relevant to the conversation. Or if I feel like I’m dominating the conversation, just let several things go even if they are obviously relevant. If they are that relevant, they will probably pop back into my mind from further conversation. Plus someone else may have had the same thought, and letting them say it first lets them participate with fewer interruptions.

Let’s take a friendly chat about a video game. First off, the conversation that will be had is not that important. It might feel that way, but unless it is the only time it comes up, there will be more opportunities in the future. Going in with this mindset helps a lot.

If something pops into my head while the other person is speaking, and nobody is going to die or be maimed if I say nothing, then it isn’t really that important. If I can’t keep the thought around until they are finished, then it actually wasn’t that important. Maybe it will come up again if it really is that relevant.

Again, this took a loooong time to practice and it still takes effort. I kind of default to not volunteering anything in a group unless I can hold it until a break in the conversation. At my job that involves a lot of technical work this is actually a benefit because people pay more attention to someone who only speak about things they have thought through first. Exceot for brainstorming sessions, then I get to let all the wild ideas fly (while making sure everyone else gets a turn too),