The single most powerful word never spoken.

Zero is also a number. The lack of something is also a “thing”. Saying nothing can be “saying something”.

Strategic silence during conversation is a powerful way to:

• get your point across
• underline something you said earlier
• express dissatisfaction or express disapproval
• show dominance

How to Practice Silence

The best way to practice silence is to talk to yourself in your head. Almost like talking to a “second you”. And forcing this “second you” to simply listen. This works because people like others to hear them out. This is the main reason we have arguments. Because both parties want the other to just listen.

So, when in an argument that you don’t want to be part of, simply start arguing to this “second you” in your head. This will also tune you out of the words being bombarded towards you by the other party.

Finally, after you have vented to the “second you” in your head, and the other person is still talking, you can start playing your favourite tune in your head. I like the Godfather Theme, or one of many classical themes by Beethoven, but you can take your pick.

With practice you get better at this game and you realize that you are not involved in as many arguments as you used to be.