Wait 5 seconds before you answer in person.

10 seconds before rereading a text before hitting send.

Always re-read email before sending.

If the mail is emotional or contentious, wait 12 hours, re-read it and chances are you will not send it (just writing it may have done the job for you without the acrimony that is sure to follow).

Effective communicators listen or read before attempting a response.

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