In this recording with Rebecca Norton I explore the deliberate, intentional use of silence, maybe for just a few seconds, during conversation and within groups to give thinking time, generate better ideas and respectfully pause to analyse what has been said.
Why is the thought, and particularly the experience of silence such a problem for so many?
Why are 'empty words' and 'worthless noise' preferred to taking just a little time out, not as a passive space, for purposeful thinking that's impossible without a pause in the noise?
Silence is the productive space of the busy thinker.
Seek even 30 seconds of silent time in a meeting and you may well see people reaching for their phones - silence is typically not seen as real work. Talking over people and showing you aren't listening too often seems to be thought of more favourably.
Plenty here to ponder (in silence?), and a challenge - work harder to find your own productive silent space, and if you are up for it, use this in real interactions - even those chaotic meetings where not even listening happens, never mind reflective silence .
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