I heard someone speaking about the value of time and immediately thought about meetings: the person who takes the floor and never seems to ask what they are giving back for it.
In the video I use the phrase “value per minute.” How much useful understanding can someone create with the attention another person gives them?
I also connect it to intelligence. That needs a distinction: this is my communication heuristic, not a validated intelligence test. Speaking quickly or briefly does not prove somebody is smarter. A person may need time, translation or a different way to explain something.
Clarity gives the listener something to keep
The kind of communication I admire can take several forms. One precise question. A clear explanation. A concrete example that finally makes an idea understandable. Sometimes it requires slowing down.
The important measure is what changes for the listener. Can they make the decision? Do they understand the uncertainty? Do they know what to do next?
A polished speech that hides the answer has little value for that purpose. A careful explanation that takes longer may be exactly what the situation needs.
A meeting uses everybody’s minutes
Here is a simple example. A meeting with six people that lasts 30 minutes consumes 6 × 30 = 180 person-minutes, or three person-hours. If the same useful result can be reached in 20 minutes, that becomes 6 × 20 = 120 person-minutes. The difference is 60 person-minutes: one combined hour.
This is invented arithmetic to show the scale, not a measurement of my company or evidence that shorter meetings always work. Saving time has no value if the decision becomes confused and has to be made again. No salary or financial saving is assumed.
| Six-person meeting | Combined time |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 180 person-minutes |
| 20 minutes | 120 person-minutes |
| Difference | 60 person-minutes |
Give the conversation a destination
Before speaking, try finishing this sentence: after hearing me, the other person should understand or decide ___. Then choose what they need for that purpose.
An update might need the result, the obstacle and the request. A difficult explanation might need an example and room for questions. A conversation about grief may need listening rather than efficiency. The purpose decides the pace.
I want to notice when I am using words to contribute and when I am using them to occupy the room. The question applies to my own videos too. Did I give you something, or did I simply take your time?
For another practical version, see how to ask for useful advice.
Sources and calculation notes
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“Value per minute” is an editorial lens for communication, not a psychological score. No research claim about measuring intelligence is made.
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Illustrative calculation: participants × minutes. 180 − 120 = 60 person-minutes; 60 ÷ 60 = one person-hour. Calculation data.
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Original video and thumbnail: Eduard Luta on TikTok. Published 2026-06-25. Research checked 26 September 2026.