Every leader should keep the proverb "speech is silver, silence is golden" in mind. It clearly demonstrates the fact that leaders must be able not only to talk but also to listen and to know when nothing else but silence is the best solution. If you are not sure when you should remain silent in the course of professional communication, read the following recommendations from inc.com.
1. When someone asks you a question
Silence in this case does not mean that you should not respond. It means to remain silent until the person expresses the whole question and not to start answering cues like "uh", "right", or "so".
2. When you do not know what you are talking about
Moments of silence are very uncomfortable so we have a natural tendency to fill them in using words. However, if you do not have anything useful to fill the silence with, keep quiet. Remember that everything you say may be used against you.
3. When you talk more about yourself than about others
A leader should focus on sharing information rather than praising himself. He should try to help his people, not show that he knows everything best.
4. When you want to teach others something
Do not offer answers right away. Allow others to express their own ideas and create their own solutions. Teach them to look for answers themselves.
5. When the others are not interested in your story
Think about who you are speaking to. The fact that your friends patiently tolerate numerous repeats of the story about how you met your wife does not mean that they are interested in it or that anyone outside the circle of your closest friends would be interested.
6. When you are starting a presentation
Try standing in front of your audience and remain silent for a moment. The audience will begin to feel uncomfortable very soon and they will wonder what happened to you. When you start talking, a greater part of the audience will be on your side.
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