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Role of Silence in Communication

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Communication involves several things. We often think silence is not part of communication. There is a misunderstanding in many that you have more communication skills if you speak more. However, this is not true. Silence is part of communication. Silence can be used in different ways: 

  • Silence is essential for listening 
  • Silence expresses your agreement sometimes
  • Silence is used sometimes to express disagreement 
  • Silence can be used to express your surprise. 
  • Silence conveys respect.
  • Silence can be used defensively. 
  • Silence will help other people to speak their hearts. 
One of the best example for use of silence is the silence is used to make decisions in Japanese business meetings. Japaneese keep silence for a while in bussiness meeting to think over various proposals and business affairs. 

Jesus used silence wisely to defend himself in his trials. Here are a few verses from the Bible about silence:

Proverbs 29:11 
In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise. 

Proverbs 10:19 
He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. 

Proverbs 13:3
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles. 

Proverbs 21:23
The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 

Proverbs 15:28
A fool's mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul. 

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they
will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your
words you will be justified, and by your words you will be
condemned.
Matthew 12:36-37
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.





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