Saying Nothing
Sometimes when a point of view is expressed by another, the best strategy is to say nothing. Quoting the Dalai Lama,
“Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.”
There must be a reason the proverb, “Silence is Golden” has remained alive for so long. In the communication Olympics, the silver tongue always takes second place.
Sometimes saying nothing is stuffing back your opinion because it will add nothing to the situation other than deaf ears and hardened feelings. Other times some use this as a strategy to politely nod their heads and tune out. But the most effective benefit of saying nothing is the silence it provides. It seems counter-intuitive but many conversations could benefit by the space of silence. It’s out of this space that inspiring thoughts can spring.
The bevy of pat answers we carry around in our head seem to jump out and break the silence. It has the same effect as breaking wind in church. Sometimes a pat answer may be the only answer, and that’s when it’s most effective. Does the sun rise in the East or West? Give a pat answer. On the witness stand, stick with the facts and give a pat answer.
How bored are you when you have a conversation filled with pre-fabricated answers? They have no communicative energy attached. They are dead words and you are stiff as a corpse when you deliver them.
Give this a go today. When conversing with someone, notice your pat answer coming up and then enter your place of silence. Don’t speak until something fresh presents itself. Sometimes when it’s your turn to talk, the communication can benefit greatly by you remaining silent.
Don’t confuse saying nothing with not having anything to say and saying it anyway. One will keep you in the superficial strata and the other will plunge you into inspiring silence.
All the best,
John
P.S. Check out my websites.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnmorgan
http://www.cafepress.com/grasshoppernote/3580301
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