According
to Carolyn Ellis, “When used with intention and purpose,
silence is a communication superpower.”
For some people, silence comes naturally. These fortunate
individuals know the power of silence and they are comfortable in that silence.
There are quite a few of us who need to learn the art of practicing silence.
Read on for more reasons to try silence in your daily communications.
1. Silence gets people’s attention
If you have ever been in a classroom or in a group situation you
have most likely experienced how silence often gets everyone’s attention.
If the teacher or presenter is talking away the listeners’ minds might start to
wander. When the speaker stops talking a signal goes to the brain that
something has happened. All of the sudden you pay attention to try and figure
out why communication has stopped. The same is true in our daily conversations.
If we are silent, people take note and we gain their attention.
2. Silence can be an obvious answer
Sometimes when we communicate we say too much. We over-explain.
If a question is met with silence, there is often an answer in that silence. We
can also soften the blow of a negative answer by silence being the
response. There is an implied “no” without any harsh words or too many words
that might do more harm than good. Another example is when someone says something
we don’t agree with or find offensive. If we are silent, we send a powerful
message that communicates that we don’t agree or are not going along with what
someone is saying.
3. Silence uses nonverbal language
Often our nonverbal language is a more powerful way of
communicating than our verbal language.
According to HelpGuide.org, “It’s important to
recognize, though, that it’s our nonverbal communication – our facial
expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and ton of voice – that speaks the
loudest. The ability to understand and use nonverbal communication, or body
language, is a powerful tool that can help you connect with others,
express what you really mean, and build better relationships.”
4. Silence offers empathy to others
There are times in life where silence offers empathy and
understanding to others. Sometimes we don’t have the right words to communicate
to someone who is struggling with a hurtful or sorrowful situation. We can show
someone we care and we are there for them without using a plethora of words. We
can offer comfort by our calming silence.
5. Silence is polite
We live in a society where we are constantly being barraged by
noise and messages. From radio broadcasts, news channels, music in elevators,
stores, and most businesses, to the rings of our phones, to the constant
chatter of people around us. We often feel with so much going on we don’t have
enough time to communicate what we need to communicate. We are fighting with so
many other sources of noise. When we do get the chance to talk we usually feel
like we have to cram every thought into a short span of time. However, when we
are silent we give others a chance to speak. We show them that they matter.
In conclusion, we can be effective communicators by utilizing
our ability to be silent. There is great strength in silence. Now, we just need
to keep practicing. Like the old adages go practice makes perfect and silence is golden.
https://www.lifehack.org/347881/5-reasons-why-silence-source-great-strength
The
Wonder of Silence
The disease of
anger needs the medicine of tolerance;
The pain of
disappointment needs the medicine of hope;
The violence of
revenge and spite needs forgiveness;
Fear needs
courage,
Ego needs
self-respect.
Through inner
silence we receive the strength to heal.
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