As part of an elimination diet consider eliminating needless chatter.

At first glance it appears that you're being a source of encouragement, education and reassurance. But often it's a sign of insecurity as we fill the air with our words.

The more we speak, the less value each word has.

We're not learning when we speak. We can't hear the patient—who may suppress a key observation or concern. We can't hear God—who often whispers and won't interrupt.

Silence is not a sign of weakness. In fact, the reverse. It's why it's often said of the powerful, "He was a man of few words."

Dr. John Demartini observed that when he recorded every word spoken during his patient care, most of what he said was for himself, not the patient!

It was Lao Tzu who said that, "Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know."

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Bill Esteb has been a chiropractic patient and advocate since 1981. He is the creative director of Patient Media and the co-founder of Perfect Patients. He’s been a regular speaker at chiropractic gatherings since 1985. His 12 books explore the doctor/patient relationship from a patient's point of view. His chiropractic blog, in-office consultations, patient focus groups and consulting calls have helped hundreds of chiropractors around the world. Since 1999 Monday Morning Motivation has been emailed to over 10,000 subscribers each week.