Ssssssshhhh...Silence as mode of communication

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.