Silence – A Key Communication Skill

Why is it when silence occurs in a conversation, someone feels the need to speak? All too often it is an extraverted personality that feels the need to fill the space with words. Myers Briggs states that introverts, in a discussion will not respond until they have thought about the topic of conversation and produce their response, but all too often others do not give them the time to think before they respond. And even more injurious, believe that an introvert is not participating because they are not talking!

Silence in communication is a powerful tool and one that will help both the introvert as well as the extravert. Silence allows you the time to think about the conversation and the pause gives you the opportunity to choose your words and how they might impact a discussion. It also allows others to express their thoughts and gives them the time to think through their response.

The use of silence is not a weakness and in fact is a strength. It allows you to listen and observe more as well as show respect to others. Silence is one of the hardest techniques to use and can be uncomfortable. There are many ways that silence can enhance the conversation. First, after making a statement, the use of silence lets your words sink in. Secondly, silence can grab people’s attention. When you pause, the power of silence can reconnect with the others. So, commit to using silence in your communication and understand that it will feel uncomfortable at first, but mastering silence can make you a more profound communicator.

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