At synods, I usually wait about a week before I speak. First I listen. I feel the temperature. I listen to what has been said, what has not been said, and what I think needs to be said at that point.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.
There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.
Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.
I prepared my intervention the night before I spoke. As it happened, there were about 44 cardinals who wished to speak but could not because there was not enough time. I was one of the last to speak.
When I speak it is in order to be heard.
If you don't speak out now when it matters, when would it matter for you to speak out?
I speak up when it's needed.
I don't have a tolerance for long meetings. I generally expect to get things over with quickly.
It's not so much knowing when to speak, when to pause.
It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.