By 8 Reasons Why Sometimes Being Quiet Is Better Than Responding
Talking is as normal and frequent as breathing, but there are many times when you need to be quiet to get the best results. That’s right: the solution doesn’t always make a great argument, it says nothing at all. It’s hard to accept at times and desperately uncomfortable at others, but it can give you the upper hand. Here are eight reasons why being quiet is sometimes better than answering.
1. Insults do not justify an answer
Insults hurt and the worst thing is not knowing how to respond. Instead of tying yourself in knots and figuring out what to say, let it go. Being quiet keeps you on high moral ground.
· Do not be sad
You are not obligated to please people. if there is no constructive way to answer them. They are putting you on the defensive, stunning you as you try to prove yourself. You might feel bad about ignoring them, but keep in mind that they probably wouldn’t have taken your words seriously.
Turn off insults
Don’t insult people, or you will encourage more insults. To stop things in their tracks, use non-verbal cues that show you are uncomfortable. You can sigh, shrug, roll your eyes, shake your head, and more to end toxicity. When they realize that they are getting nowhere, they are vulnerable to their response.
Give them something to think about
Your silence is handled like a weapon. After the confrontation, others will remember that you didn’t say anything. This may force them to consider whether they regret what they said. It could help them realize that they need a different approach and may even lead them to apologize.
2. People don’t always listen
We have all had conversations in which others have talked too much. Being repeatedly interrupted or talking about it while trying to say a word is discouraging. Play down ordinary discussion in these situations so that you can benefit from listening.
Understand the conversation
Instead of exhausting yourself trying to be heard, understand why others are speaking. If they’re rambling and asking a lot of rhetorical questions, they may be venting, so there will be little to add. Let them have their time if you think they need it.
Save yourself the trouble
If others are not listening, it is not your responsibility to listen or respond. They may notice if you’ve been quiet for a while, at which point you can tell that you weren’t paying attention. That momentary embarrassment might help them take it more seriously. Since no one likes to talk long and hard without paying off, they may find that it is not fair to drown you.
A learning experience
If you can’t speak, watch. You can learn a lot about people by letting your mouths run for a while. Nod your head to cheer and look at them thoughtfully, allowing them to reveal who they are. The information obtained could help mutual understanding during future conversations.
3. You need time to think
As a general rule of thumb, it may be better to say nothing rather than say something silly. In a face-to-face conversation, you usually cannot remain silent, but you have leeway in setting up the group. Everyone deserves time, so don’t think you have to respond right away.
Ignore the pressure
We live in a society where failure to respond is considered proof of incompetence. When they try to prove themselves, people blurt out things they regret. If someone tells you to weigh, dissolve it with a simple nod of the head. Being caught off guard is worth it if it means you can think of something nice to say.
Be mentally present
When you’re on autopilot, you can end up talking just by talking. This is how people end up saying what they don’t mean, exaggerating and bringing up nonsensical anecdotes. Sometimes in order to be present and optimistic about what you are doing, you have to stop talking, even if it means not contributing to the discussion.
Be fair to yourself
It is not always true that you have to speak to make doubt and anxiety disappear. Investigate show that people tend to attribute the worst moments of the conversation, such as awkward pauses and missteps in the conversation, to themselves and not to others in the group. Being quiet for a while can curb that worry, allowing you to mentalize yourself with positive thoughts first.
4. Listening is respectful
Sometimes people aren’t looking for an answer, even when it seems they are. They may want an emotional release. It can help prioritize listening over speaking, relying more on body language than words.
Watchful waiting
It can be tempting to start talking, but sometimes you only need to speak by asking a question and then listening again. People often don’t want to hear your solutions and want you to sympathize with their story. Validate them, so they will be more positive when hearing you speak next. As a researcher Dr. Ralph G. Nichols That said, one of the most basic human needs is to be understood, and the best way to understand people is to listen to them.
Process what you hear
Thinking about what to say takes away the processing of what is being said. It is gratifying to turn what you hear in your head, even when you think there is an opportunity to speak. Pay attention when someone is expressing themselves, as what they disclose could be useful later.
Listen with empathy
Researchers say you must clear distractions such as telephones and make appropriate eye contact to act as listeners. Nod periodically and vaguely with the words you hear. This will signal to the speaker that they are taking you seriously and will change how you feel inside, making you a better listener.
5. People are not always fair
When people don’t act in good faith, you don’t owe them anything. If you believe that any response will be manipulated and used against you, saying nothing is in your best interest. Please don’t lower yourself to their level.
Frustrate their tricks
People may say things to make you angry, frustrating you so that they can later speak ill of you. They may tell you to prove something is not true when they have the burden of proving your claims. They may ask patronizing questions or questions that they know you are not aware of. Ignore them, so they have to say something sensible.
Be better than them
If you let others keep talking, they can dig their own grave. If you start to respond, you may not realize how angry you are getting, which could escalate. A simple “I won’t comment until you act mature” will suffice, then shut up and fill yourself with positive thoughts. The onus falls on your bullies to get it right. They can’t seriously claim that it was your fault that things fell apart.
6. Take some control
Be quiet it can be powerful. In a world where we talk all day, every day, taking advantage of the moment to be calm is a show of force. You have to fight the discomfort of it.
Play Hardball
Author and business expert Jim Schleckser explains how silence can give you influence during negotiation. If a person makes an offer and you don’t say anything initially, they will pressure them to be convincing. You may be offered more money in your rush to convince you that you are getting a good deal. Accept some conditions, but be silent about others to agonize them even more.
Keep them away
Silence is an intimidation tactic. People get anxious because the lack of conversation gnaws at them, making them want to fill the silence. Frustrated, they may just come out and speak their minds, hoping to surprise you into responding. Silence can also trick people into thinking you know better, making them more respectful.
Maintain the correct behavior
You don’t have to answer everything to get along. Talking too much can make you seem superficial, so keep your finger on the pulse. You can safely ignore some statements and even questions if you want to be taken seriously. People will learn that their time should not be wasted.
7. Know when enough is enough
There is a time and place for everything, and talking is no exception. To survive life with confidence, you must know when to isolate yourself in critical social situations. Failure to do so will interfere with your personal growth.
Don’t drag things
People tend to want to have the last word in specific conversations. Don’t be upset that repeatedly adding a new thought when you could have moved on drags things over. You never know how long you might be stranded, especially with someone else who won’t let you go. If you’re not sure how to end a conversation, wait until someone says something ignorable. Then shut up and shrug your shoulders at any attempt to get you to speak again.
· Assume the responsibility
Good communication means knowing when to stop talking so opinions can be heard, even if you are critical of what is being said. Investigate show that empathic listening is one of the most vital aspects of communication for influential leadership, especially for retaining subordinates to you. And according to Dr. Nichols, as people improve their listening skills, they also strengthen their persuasion skills.
8. Don’t get involved
There are times when you need to be quiet to avoid getting into trouble. While you may want to speak out loud, you need to think about the consequences. These situations require positive thinking to keep your balance.
Don’t be intimidated
Don’t get into an overhearing discussion until you’ve heard enough. Also, be careful when responding to an argumentator who is trying to get you into a confrontation with another person. There is nothing wrong with defending what is right, but you may have to be quiet before you can get all the facts.
Consider your needs
Sometimes it is time to talk about someone else. You may hear something outrageous, something that you think deserves a spiel. But don’t start talking presumptuously when it’s someone else’s business. This person may not want you to fight their battles, or they may think you don’t know what to say.
Out of control emotions
What may seem manageable may soon bring out the worst in you. If you are overly emotional, you will sound silly and say things that you regret. Remember that it can be difficult to be convincing when your judgment is clouded by raw feelings. Keep a positive attitude to refresh yourself.
Final thoughts on some reasons why being quiet is sometimes better than responding
Since everything in life revolves around talking, it can be nerve-wracking not knowing when to stop. But it is a lifelong skill that you have to work on. Keeping quiet will protect you from unsavory characters and honor people who are good to you. People are more than their words.
