But nor should you waste your breath trying to get more out of him.

He took a breath, trying to get his thoughts together, then walked into the room.

I took a deep breath, trying to think of something plausible, but failed.

I took a deep breath, then another, trying to get my breathing to return to normal.

He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, trying for control.

She took a deep and slow breath, trying to relax, at least enough to get back to sleep.

He forced himself to stop and take a few, long breaths of the morning air, trying to clear his mind.

He takes a deep breath, and a second, trying to relax.

Maybe that's why he didn't waste his breath trying to talk to them.

I didn't waste my breath trying to argue with them.