Silence is a powerful weapon in the hands of the wise

Have you ever used silence to make a point? Then you understand how powerful this communication tool can be. Silence gives many messages. Being able to use the sound of silence is one of the greatest conversational arts.

Our ability to be quiet may confirm that we are intensely interested in what is being said. It can also show that we have great integrity and will not be brought into conversations that could be harmful. It has been said, that the more people talk, the less they tell the truth.

Have you ever been in a conversation, where all you were waiting for was for the speaker to pause, so that you could interject your reply? Instead of allowing ourselves to pause and absorb what has been said we start preparing how we want to vocalize our thoughts as soon as the speaker stops talking. Culture often influences our unintentional desire to jump in as soon as there is a lull in the conversation. Being comfortable with silence takes practice and self-control.

Silence is a powerful sword. We can use silence to increase our understanding and learn more about the people around us. When used out of love, it can show that we care deeply enough to listen with the intent to understand and need to absorb what was said before we reply.

One gaze into the eyes of someone we love can speak more deeply to the heart than all the poetic words in the world. In this way our silence creates a bond and touches a person more intensely than the words we speak. However, the other side or the silence sword can cut through the air when our intent is to hurt or let someone know we are displeased.

Dead silence can cause a conversation to feel heavy, as the speaker may not know if they were heard or understood. The art of silence can be learned. When we are accustomed to noise, we may mistake silence for a lack of understanding instead of the depth of understanding it reveals.

How loud is your silence speaking with the people you lead? Is your silence allowing you to hit your mark and if not what can you do to better understand and to be understood?

Huzefa Mohamed is the author of ‘How to Pass Any Exam Without Fear’. Contact him on 0684017700