I invent nothing here. You know the old saying, in sales, after a closing question the first person who talks loses.
Guess what? It works very well as a dumbness/shallowness detector.
Lets say you dont fall prey to telling stupid things. Let`s say, if you have nothing intelligent or valuable to say, you shut up.
And let us suppose you are in a public setting, like the bus or gym or whatever similar context, with someone you know a bit.
Be attentive to the next person who breaks the silence (unless it`s a job related question). If you are more confident in your aloneness or silent strength than the other joe, just watch him start bitching, about you or some issue. The more insecure the person, the shorter the silence period.
Silence forces one to face his inner demons and/or preoccupying thoughts. In a good majority of people, this is unwelcome, a source of tension. Most will start acting it out just to change their ideas. Most people will do almost anything to avoid that damned silence period. Like a good story or movie, the tension builds up and most people have to find an exit to their inner tension. Very few can resist this tension. Watch them hunt for tension releasers.
For a good gang, watch them try to relieve their boredom by trying to tease you (for their fun).
You did nothing, you gave them silence, and this is what you get as output. Like you asked for it. Absolutely no link with input (out of nowhere, in short). Very useful. Very rewarding. wink
But it is useful to know. It allows rapid detection of stupid and/or people who can not tolerate too much uncertainty. Does not take too long either. OTOH, this same silence will allow you to discover what they choose to contribute when this silent period does happen. Do they bring something useful or of value? Some do.
You just need silence to sort them out and see their true colors and priorities.
Silence. What a wonderful concept. =0)
Now I`ll shut up. ;0)
