Silence A Hidden Business Tool

In todays frantic world, silence is not often perceived as a communication of business tool. Yet, the strategic use of silence - ranging from five-second pauses in a conversation to extended periods of quiet - can result in tremendous benefits to those who practice it. Here are twenty ways you may be able to use silence for your and others benefit. Ponder the list, pick a few suggestions that may work well for you, and resolve to practice the powerful art of silence on those many occasions when you have the opportunity to do so. Inspire yourself. During periods of silence, the mind has a way of retreating to gentle thoughts and core values - great destinations when youre worried or wondering about something. Build productivity. Quiet time is perfect for focusing on important, detail-oriented tasks. Want a subordinate or colleague to work on a project for you? Youll get it done faster if you arrange for the individual to work in a silent place. Reduce stress. Tough morning? Too much tension around you? Retreat to a corner and remain still and silent for a few minutes. Youll bring on powerful physiological changes in your body that can help calm you and prepare you for the balance of the day. Raise your stature. Cultivating the art of graceful silence is one of the characteristics of successful people. Next time you hear a distorted comment, angry retort, or biased question thrown at you, remain silent for a short time. Others will respect you for your thoughtfulness. Emphasize the seriousness of an action. When it comes time to describe a vital initiative, or to speak with a subordinate or colleague about something shes done wrong, let silence play a part in your comments. After you say what you must say, let your words hang in the air for ten seconds or so. Your listeners wont forget them. Get your prospect talking. When youre in the midst of a sales call, resist the temptation to present every facet of your product or service. Instead, pause at key junctures, without question or comment and listen to the often-revealing thoughts of the prospect. Raise the esteem of others. Many people are afraid to speak up during meetings. When you sense fear on the part of a person near you, ask a general question, something that calls for a thoughtful response and then wait. Yes, the individual might be uncomfortable at first, but by stepping back and giving him center stage for a few moments, youll give him the opportunity to build self-confidence. Analyze your own thinking. Use quiet time to better understand your own reactions to proposals and ideas. And use this all-important time to understand your own motives for thinking the way you do. Create atmosphere. Silence, perhaps punctuated by gentle music, helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere - perfect for an employee retreat or a meeting requiring focus. Generate ideas. While brainstorming is often a frenzied activity, great brainstorming is frequently preceded ...