The Art of Saying Nothing (When It Matters Most)

Silence is like holding a wildcard in a high-stakes poker game. You’re not bluffing; you’re biding your time. In business, the power of silence is often underrated. We feel the need to fill every pause with words, as if quiet is a vacuum that must be filled. But here’s the thing—silence isn’t empty. It’s loaded.

Imagine you’re in a negotiation, and the other party has just thrown out an offer. Your instinct might be to respond immediately, to counter or clarify. But resisting that impulse can be your sharpest move. Let the pause hang there. In those seconds of silence, discomfort grows—for them, not you. They might reveal more than they intended or adjust their stance just to break the quiet. Silence becomes your ally.

The trick? Practice. The next time you’re in a conversation, take a beat before replying. Count to three. Watch how the dynamic shifts. That tiny gap can make you appear thoughtful and composed, even if your brain is sprinting inside. Try using my "deflect, reflect and select" approach shared in this book.

Silence also shows respect. When you’re quiet, you’re truly listening—not just waiting for your turn to talk. It builds trust, strengthens connections, and gives you the upper hand in any dialogue.

So, next time, don’t rush. Let the silence speak for you. It might say more than you ever could.

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Mitch Jackson | links