Communication
is a means whereby exchange of thoughts takes place between minds. Words,
signals, etc are processed by the co-ordinate efforts of brain and finally
results in thought reception.
Communication
can be classified as verbal or Non verbal communication. During primitive ages
i.e. during early stages of evolution of human race when words weren’t invented
men communicated through non verbal communication like raising voices,
modulating their tones or sending visual cues etc albeit central idea being
thought exchange must happen between minds.
How
about silence as means of communication. Silence –no words, no cues, only
emotional reasoning happens between minds. Silence can convey a lot than words.
When words could not convince one’s heart, mind tends to switch to a different
mode to communicate. Silence is the only peculiar object of human emotion to
transfer thoughts without need for cues, words, sounds etc.
Silence
can communicate either positive or negative thoughts. In a business environment
when silence communication happens between two close and frinedly colleagues a
lot can be conveyed between minds. But when remaining silent before a superior
during crisis times may be perceived as irresponsible attitude as employee is
acting in contradiction to business needs failing to communicate what
essentially the firm demands..
Knowing
when to be silent and when not be is a skill that has to be learnt while using
silence as a means of communication.
A smile
in silence is a positive affirmation. A frowning face during a silence clearly
indicates lack of acceptance and clear state of mind’s dejection.
When
hearts lie close especially in case of loved one’s or (happy couple) silence is
worth a million words.
But in
a business environment where different minds from different background
converges with a aim to create surplus for the organization silence is usually
less desired as hearts are far separate and no one can really perceive who
others are except those colleagues who had long term understanding and those
close colleagues could easily reason out his pals mind what he is really up to.
For a
loving mother if her child remains silent than she will perceive her child is
in trouble.
A tiger
hiding inside a bush remaining pin drop silent can be perceived as its ambush
to catch its prey.
For a
husband a long silence from his wife can be interpreted as wife’s dislike to
arrival of her mother in law.
A
student remaining silent during viva voce can be interpreted as his failure to
grasp the subject matter.
Our
Prime Minister remaining silent during times of critical remarks from
opposition can be interpreted as test to his seasoned mind with his years of
association in Indian Politics and acting as a matured politician.
Tiredness
can result in silence. Loss of interest can be expressed in silence. Likes can
be expressed in silence. Dislikes can be expressed in silence.
Conclusion: I would like to conclude the chapter on
silence with a concept on financial accounting Substance over form. Substance over form is an accounting
principle used "to ensure that financial statements give a complete,
relevant and accurate picture of transactions and events. In simple words
substance is what on the inside and material what is on the outside. Silence is
what expressed on the outside and emotion the substance inside. While using
silence as a communication the form-silence and substance –emotion should act
with same wavelength so as to achieve the best of communication.
