There’s Strength in Silence

There’s Strength in Silence

“Silence is a source of great strength."

Lao Tzu 604 BC – 531 BC, Ancient China Philosopher  

   

As I see it. . . . . . . .

There’s strength in silence              

There are times that you’re prepared to speak . . . . and where it would be to your best interest to remain silence and listen.

The person that has the most in control of a conversation is the person who gathers the most useful information.

That information is collected by asking good questions . . . . and in practicing the 80 – 20 rule of proactive listening. Proactive listening is to listen 80% of the time with interest giving the speaker your full attention . . . . When you’re speaking . . . . speak with a purpose, ask good questions . . . . Speak to draw the other person into the conversation and to gather information.

Be a proactive listener by listening 80% of the time . . . . and speak with a purpose 20% of the time and you will find that there’s strength in silence.

When you’re speaking we are not learning . . . . or gathering information. When you’re asking good questions and listening you are gathering new and useful information and accumulating new knowledge. Both of which can become very helpful in knowing and understanding the other person.

The listener in a conversation . . . . controls the information flow of the conversation.

The person that’s committed to proactive communications becomes a person of influence in the conversation as result of their listening skills. They will draw the other person into the communication by allowing the person to speak . . . .and by showing interest in the other person and what they’re saying.

There’s strength in silence . . . . and knowing when to listen and when to speak.

©2013 Lou Ludwig Motivational Power Quote, Sales and Management Consultant, Success Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author