When talking with introverts or shy people, you can use silence and time instead of words.
Instead of continuing to talk, or probing quiet folks with questions, consider using silent wait-time.
Why?
Introverts prefer to think for a while before responding. Giving them some "wait-time" allows them to think before talking.
Shy people may feel awkward becoming the focus of attention by speaking up. Giving them some "golden silence" can encourage them to talk.
In order to allow silence, you have to be comfortable with it. Many people are not. They tend to keep talking, and that discourages others from speaking up.
Fortunately, you can become comfortable with silence by seeing its positive effects, then choosing to be silent while breathing deeply.
On the radio, dead air time (periods of silence) is a no-no. But in face-to-face conversations, sometimes silence is a yes-yes.
Until next week, Loren
