Learn to be quiet

Often considered uncomfortable immobility, silence is a formidable weapon for those who know how to use it wisely. As the saying goes, speech is silver, silence is gold, so why are we so afraid of it? Why does it make us so uncomfortable, especially when we are in front of an audience? It's certain, and I'm the first one concerned, learning to be quiet is not easy, but when we know how many benefits there are, it may be time to make an effort and learn to listen... before speaking... Knowing how to be quiet is above all... Showing real listening, showing the consideration given to your interlocutor.

1- The advantages of silence
By taking the trouble to listen, we allow our interlocutor to complete his reflection without bouncing back thinking we understand what he wants to say before he has finished saying it... We also give him the possibility of deepening his subject and saying a little more than what he initially planned to say. Thus we allow him to begin to become aware, necessary for any action of change! Also, silence is an excellent way, in many cases, to defuse conflict situations... Replace the "calm down!" which will only increase frustration and anger, with a simple silence and you will see the surprising effect it will have on people... But also... Silence is a way to strengthen our position, to give weight to a question or a remark. It can also be a formidable way to avoid saying anything impulsively or thinking we have understood our interlocutor by sending him a ready-made solution.

2- Silence: it proves confidence and mastery of the subject!
In a face-to-face exchange, silence can be a major generator of trust. It makes our words credible and demonstrates that we master our subject. A silence, before speaking, always gives impact to what follows... Managers, be aware, this communication style is much richer and more relevant than wanting at all costs to impose your point of view at any cost to your collaborators. Listening and letting proposals run their course encourage dialogue where everyone will express themselves in a non-conflictual way to enrich what has just been said rather than fighting to defend an opposing point of view.

However, be careful, silence misused can, on the contrary, definitely harm you! It's not about letting silence settle and looking away... It is essential to maintain connection with your interlocutor and adapt all your para-verbal communication to the different emotions you want to create and convey to your interlocutor at that precise moment.

Philippe Montant CEO ExeKutive.biz