Silence as a means of communication

            Silence generally means absence of any kind of noise.  But in communication it is seen as absence of speech.  So, absence of speech doesn’t mean that the person is not communicating with the other person.  Silence is a very powerful form of communication.  Depending on the situation, the meaning of silence differs on each occasion.

            During a speech, if the speaker pauses in between he is trying to mean something.  If the pause is very short, it means that he is trying to recollect what he is going to speak next.  If he pauses for a long time, it means that the speaker wants the audience to either think about the matter he said or he is looking for some kind of response from them.  It can also mean that the speaker is seeking the attention of the audience because he is going to say something very important next.            

            According to the law of contract there is a provision that silence is a form of acceptance.  It tells that if a customer starts using the product without expressly conveying his acceptance, the seller of the goods can assume that the buyer has accepted the product.

            It can be taken that by remaining silent; a person is trying to say that he is upset.  For example, it can be found that if a very talkative person suddenly becomes silent others could easily find that he is upset.

            Silence can also be used as a sign of insult.  This usually happens in workplace.  Eg: A superior without speaking just turning his back on his subordinate to insult him.

            Silence can be used to admit defeat.  In debates, if the opposite party gives his views and we are unable to give counter points and remain silent, then it is that we admit defeat to him.

            We also pray in silence.  To demand silence one can use silence.  A person placing his index finger on his lips indicates that he needs silence from their part too.

            To show one’s trust one use silence.  By not revealing confidential information about a friend, one tells him that he can trust him.  It also communicates to others that one doesn’t want to get into trouble.  For example, you saw a murder by the roadside and you noticed that many people also witnessed it.  But when the police asks about it to you and others, everybody remains silent on the matter because it is known that it brings more trouble. 

            Thus silence can allow a user to express a large variety of emotions, convey messages and also use it as a sign of acceptance.  A higher percentage in this regard goes to expression of emotions.  Often people use it to express anger, upset and other emotions.  So, silence is more powerful than a bunch of empty words.