Explicit and Implicit Strategies of Silence

This critical essay focuses on strategic silence as communicative silence – not when we talk about silence, but when we talk through silence. It proceeds in two steps. First, a definition of strategic silence, based on the discussion of explicit and implicit silence is suggested. Strategic silences are (1) intentional, directed at audiences, (2) mostly communicative and (3) discursive practices that take place in (4) situations of communication (5) at higher degrees of indirectness, which usually entail (6) a shift from speaking to actionable listening. Second, two major types of silence are discussed. Explicit and implicit strategies of silence are two different forms – and degrees – of indirectness. Explicit silence speaks for itself. What the speaker is silent about is what the listener is expected to understand. Implicit silence is more ambiguous. What is meant is different from what is said. Explicit silence appeals to the consciousness of the public. Implicit silence tries to slip under its radar. Implicit strategies of silence are more indirect than the implicit ones. Strategic communication is always indirect. Indirect communication always involves silence. The more indirect communication is, the more silent it becomes. Silence is most strategic when it is not seen as such.

Keywords: Communicative silence; Strategic communication; Discourse; Indirect communication; Explicit silence; Implicit silence; Actionable listening.