When we think about our communication, we usually think about our output. The words on the page. The message on the slide. The words coming out of our mouths. And we should. Strong communication is a series of clear and powerful outputs.
But there’s another part to the story.
It’s a noisy world out there. A world that does not often reward the absence of sound. We live in a world that almost encourages more sound. And that’s why focusing on our silence is often counter-intuitive. So let’s spend a few moments today talking about the power of silence.
Think about a piece of music. When there’s a moment of silence in the piece, that silence is not an absence of music.
No.
It’s part OF the music. The silence is a conscious choice by the composer, and it contributes to the experience just like any of the notes. It gives us a moment to absorb what we just heard and whets our appetite for what comes next.
I love this idea, because it applies directly to how we communicate. Our silence is part OF our communication. And it does real work:
Silence enriches the point. When we pause after making an important point, we let the idea settle. We give our audience a moment to let it marinate in their brains. And an idea that has had time to marinate lands deeper.
Silence empowers others. When we step back in silence and let someone else speak, we hand them the spotlight. It gives oxygen to their ideas, and tells them their ideas matter. That generosity and respect builds trust.
Silence improves outcomes. It gives a conversation room to breathe, which often leads to a better answer. And in a negotiation, silence makes the other side wonder what we’re thinking.
Silence restores us. A moment of quiet gives our minds time to absorb what’s being said, and to re-center. A moment of silence lets you think about the question, and for what to say — or not to say — next.
Silence enriches the point, empowers the audience, improves outcomes, and restores the speaker.
So when it’s your turn to speak, slow down a little. Pause once in a while. Let a big idea hang out there. And when it’s someone else’s turn, resist the urge to fill the quiet.
Your sound matters. But so does your silence. In your next meeting or conversation, think about how your silence could magnify your impact.
Have a great day.
