Value of Silence in Group Work
John Engle shares with the OSlist how at the opening of group work, he often invites groups to rest at ease if silence happens, waiting for what the silence might bring:
“I ask that we see silence as a friend during our time together whether we’re in small groups or in this large group. If silence comes, let’s not feel like we need to chase it away, remembering that frequently, it’s the nudgings of silence that bring into being ideas and voices which would’ve otherwise remained unspoken.”
Would love to hear/explore more about the power of silence in groups, used in longer periods of time of facilitation. So more than a few minutes and other than silent retreats, but using silence as a facilitative tool to co-create change.
By Julie Gieseke on 01.14.11 2:09 pm
would like people who are interested in researching the impact of silence on interpersonal communication
By joyce on 01.23.07 7:47 pm