Value times of silence in conversations

image.001Several years ago I heard the Juilliard String Quartet present a lecture/recital. Their playing was wonderful, of course, but my biggest take-away from the event had nothing to do with music but rather the quality of their conversation. Through their example I learned how people can have a meaningful, respectful, and profitable conversation. While I was intrigued by what they had to say, I was particularly fascinated by how they conversed.

Before the quartet played, they shared their thoughts about the work. It was a relaxed and thoughtful conversational atmosphere in which each player had the opportunity to speak.

One at a time, a player would share his thoughts, and when he was finished there would be silence— sometimes lasting 10-15 seconds—before another member of the quartet would begin to share his thoughts. The group had such high respect for what each colleague was sharing that they allowed time for each statement to “sink in” before another thought was introduced into the conversation. Also, while one person shared, the others seemed to truly listen; they were not just using that time to craft what they would say when it was their turn.

For instance, one member might say, “The thing I enjoy most about the second movement of the Beethoven is that it borrows the theme from the first movement but develops it in a different way.” Then there would be silence. And then another player might offer, “At first glance, the themes seem to compete with each other, but near the end of the movement one understands that they are actually complementary.” Then another pause…and so on.

The key element in this respectful and profitable conversation was the moments of silence.

When was the last time you conversed with a group of people and the conversation contained times of silence? It is a rare occurrence. Normally, we try to anticipate the end of someone’s sentence and then compete with others for who gets to speak next. Sometimes we don’t even allow a person to finish his thought; the beginning of a new sentence overlaps the end of his.

This concept is so foreign to most people that the only way I’ve been able to incorporate it is to discuss it with a particular group and then practice. I did this with my family. I distributed this essay, we talked about it, and then staged a trial conversation. At first, it was difficult and awkward—it’s hard to change deeply-ingrained patterns—but eventually the conversation became well-paced, courteous, and profitable.

[reminder]What are your thoughts about this essay?[/reminder]

Click here to read more about how to have a thoughtful, respectful conversation.

Summary

What? – Conversations become more thoughtful, respectful, and productive when they include times of silence.
So what? – Incorporate times of silence into your conversations.
Now what? – If you have a group of people with whom you frequently converse, visit with them about this essay and try to incorporate the principles into your discourse.

Leaders – Work with your team on how they talk to each other. Often, changing the structure of conversations will help. For instance, in staff meetings, allow every team member to respond to a particular issue, uninterrupted by others. That way, every voice will be heard, and it establishes a slower pace for the dialogue.

10 Replies to “Value times of silence in conversations”

  1. Interesting and very thought provoking as usual. Love the cartoon. Your “Reflections” are truly inspiring and cause me to pause and reflect on my own life. Thank you for your time and effort’
    God Bless

  2. Hi Don:

    This concert was at the Nasher was it not? If so, I was with you and Mary for that performance – never to be forgotten!!

    Ken

  3. Excellent message and certainly one that I need to practice both professionally and on a personal level. Thank you for the great insight and reminder of a respectful and profitable conversation.

  4. Silence is gold! I have been able to experience the richness of silence in small groups being facilitated by mature facilitators. For those of us who are extroverted, this might be a challenge. However, it provides us with precious time to reflect and disect what is being said. Thank you Don for sharing this article.

  5. This blog is my favorite. It hit home, because I am guilty of wanting to say more than necessary.
    So Don, thanks for this one, especially. Caroline Blaylock, 30 years old in the Lord today.

    1. Caroline, it was so nice to hear your voice today on the voice mail. Thank you for calling, and for remembering the wonderful transaction that took place 30 years ago.
      I appreciate you reading my blog and hope the thoughts are helpful.

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