Silence is Golden, Create Thinking Space in your Conversations

Unlike computers, our humble human brains cannot upgrade their processing speed and consume data at the speed of light. To achieve the best outcomes from conversations, it is essential to make room for thinking space. Interrupting this vital thinking space can cause stress and negatively affect decision-making.

Recognise the subtle signs that this vital processing is taking place

Acknowledge that there is an important dialogue happening in the other person's head and resist the temptation to interrupt it. Listen for verbal cues such as "um" or pauses and observe non-verbal cues, like looking up or away.

Embracing Silence

Not viewing every silence as either awkward or a great opportunity to share more information can lead to more meaningful interactions. You can also benefit from the pauses to reflect on the conversation so far to:

• Encourage richer responses.

• Foster deeper understanding.

• Build better relationships.

Practice Makes Perfect

Allowing for more space in conversations is a habit that can be cultivated over time. By consciously practicing this approach, you can improve your conversational skills. Observe yourself during interactions and notice how this awareness impacts your conversations. Here are some tips to enhance your practice:

• Set aside time to reflect on past conversations and identify moments where silence could have been beneficial.

• Engage in conversations where you intentionally allow for pauses.

• Seek feedback from trusted friends or colleagues about your conversational style.

By becoming more aware of your communication patterns, you can enhance your ability to engage in thoughtful discussions and create a more inviting atmosphere for dialogue.

Incorporating these practices into your conversations can enhance communication and strengthen connections with others.