Be silent, or say something better than silence.

Saying nothing is not the neutral option. It is already a decent contribution, and speech has to improve on it to be worth the room’s attention. Most talk fails that test: filler, restating what was said, the pleasure of hearing yourself agree. Holding the standard that high also makes the things you do say carry further.

Before adding to a conversation, ask quickly whether the sentence adds information, warmth, or a decision. If it does none of those, let it go unspoken. And where something genuinely needs saying and nobody is saying it, remember that the standard cuts both ways.