Silence
Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech. ~ English writer Martin Farquhar Tupper
Silence communicates and serves significant functions. It allows a speaker time to think and formulate a reply while preparing the listener.
The most profound statements are often said in silence. ~ Canadian cartoonist Lynn Johnston
Silence offers a pass in taking responsibility for wrongdoing. Silence is the sound before confessing love or firing back during a verbal conflict. Silence may be used to preclude rejection or prevent the communication of certain messages. In conflicts, silence is sometimes used to prevent certain subjects from arising, averting later regret. With the silent treatment, silence is a non-communication weapon, blasting with a bullet of indifference. Silence can communicate resolve: determination to be uncooperative, even defiant.
Silence is the most perfect expression of scorn. ~ George Bernard Shaw
Silence is often effectively employed to convey annoyance, especially when paired with a pouting posture.
Nothing is more useful than silence. ~ Greek dramatist Menander
Silence may have strategic effect: a pause may position what is said next for maximum impact.
A prolonged silence can be employed to give the appearance of control and superiority. People use silence strategically more with strangers than they do friends.
Silence may simply mean you have nothing to say.
Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence; and if he was sensible of this he would not be ignorant. ~ Persian poet Saadi Shirazi
