In the generation of oversharers and yappers, silence is often overlooked.
Being vocal and the most talkative helps one attract attention in a room, and if you are on the other side of the pole, people start describing you by that 8-letter word: ‘introvert’.
But here’s the catch: a great idea or great personality isn’t necessarily defined by how many words per minute you speak, but by the weight those words carry.
Here are 7 benefits of being silent that often go unnoticed.
1. Silence brings clarity
When you are in a constant urge to say something, either to feel validated or to feel loved, you often don’t realize that you start speaking off-track and end up sounding unattractive. Here, silence works like a much-needed pause, bringing clarity back on track and providing you the time to structure your thoughts. You reconnect with yourself in the stillness.
2. Nurtures observing power
When you don’t speak, you see more. Since you are not concerned about how to frame or what to frame, you can fully focus on expressions, pauses, and body language of the other person. You start reading their mind without overloading them with a bunch of questions. Silent people often notice what others miss as observation nurtures your intelligence.
3. Protects your energy
The right words in front of the wrong audience are nothing but a waste of time and energy. It drains mental and emotional energy instantly. Not every opinion needs a response, and once you start drawing the line, people will start thinking before throwing trash statements at you. Silence helps you filter what’s worth engaging in.
4. Silence makes you a great listener
Being a speaker is easier than being a listener. Once you start listening to someone without any pretension, it will automatically make you quiet, inside and out. Silence creates a space for others to be heard and gives them the scope to put forward their opinion. When you absorb more and interrupt less, it creates a great platform to exchange ideas and build trust.
5. Silence enhances the power of your words
Our impression depends on what we bring to the table. When you speak rarely and meaningfully, people give more care to what you say. Sometimes the theory of ‘less is more’ works in your favour if you start garnishing your sentences with meaningful pauses. It reflects your character as someone who makes sense, not impulsive chatter.
6. Silence makes you emotionally intelligent
When someone shares something with you, they don’t always seek your suggestion or sympathy. They just want a shoulder where they can be vulnerable without the fear of interference or judgment. It takes awareness and sensitivity not to react immediately. Your silence can be your response without giving any over-the-top reaction.
7. Silence creates mystery
Being an open book doesn’t guarantee likability. The unknown often attracts more than the known. If you overload people with information related to you or your life, it’ll leave very little scope for them to be interested in you further. Let silence make your life a little more mysterious. People who are really interested in knowing you more will do their research without you telling them everything.
