The quietest people in a meeting often know exactly who’s bluffing.

Talking and watching compete for the same attention. Somebody who is not busy building their next sentence has room to notice who contradicts themselves, who looks at the floor, and who keeps saying nearly the same thing in slightly different words. That is why the quiet one in the corner is often the best informed person present. Saying little can be a listening post rather than a lack of nerve.

Spend one meeting or practice this week saying very little on purpose. Note two things you would otherwise have missed. Use one of them the next time you need to work out who to trust.