Conversation requires four parts. It begins with a central idea in the head of the speaker. That idea is translated into the speaker’s words and body language. Understanding then occurs in the listener and feedback is given back to the speaker by words or body language.
Know which two of the four belong to you at any given moment and don’t attempt either of the other two out of turn. Having no central idea and still beginning to speak is a serious and common problem. Study our language to aid in your translation efforts and also because, like a sword, language can be used as a weapon. Have care that your ‘sword’ is not taken away and used to kill you. If you do not give feedback, the speaker will repeat himself, waste time and become irritated.
Books are conversations with people who may no longer be alive. What you do from that point on with your life is your feedback. Add no additional weight to the printed word; take it just as you would if it were spoken to you personally. Take what you need and leave the rest. Do that even with this that you are reading now. These are just my words and should not carry more weight because they came from me or that I took the time to put them into writing.