The statement "Speech is silver and silence is gold" has been a subject of reflection and intellectual discourse over an extended period. It is a subject of contention whether maintaining a quiet state is always the ideal approach, or if articulating oneself is imperative under specific circumstances.

From my perspective, I hold a partially agreeable stance towards the aforementioned statement as its applicability varies with the contextual circumstances encountered by individuals. The present discourse shall delve into the merits and demerits of expressing one's view and opting for taciturnity through the utilisation of illustrations from scholarly research performed by psychologists and communication specialists.

From one perspective, maintaining silence can prove to be a potent weapon in specific circumstances. In certain situations, such as instances of heightened emotionality such as anger or distress, it could be deemed advantageous to opt for reticence and abstain from exacerbating the predicament at hand. Furthermore, choosing to maintain silence may also indicate one's demonstration of sagacity and self-discipline. Individuals who are characterised by the attributes of thoughtfulness and reflexivity are known to invest significant mental in interpersonal or occupational interactions.

Conversely, numerous circumstances exist in which vocalising one's thoughts is imperative. An exemplary instance in which individuals should assert themselves or others is when one is subjected to mistreatment or unjust treatment. Furthermore, vocalising one's thoughts and opinions may indicate a demonstration of assertive behaviour and a display of self-assurance. Individuals who possess the ability to confidently articulate their viewpoints and concepts tend to experience greater success in their personal and occupational endeavours.

From a psychological standpoint, it is crucial for individuals to exhibit assertive behaviour whilst avoiding fruitless discourse.  The term assertiveness denotes the ability to effectively communicate one's thoughts and feelings in a manner that is both assertive and respectful while exhibiting confidence in the delivery. This encompasses the ability to strike a balance between actively expressing opinions and judiciously withholding them as dictated by the context. Individuals who possess the capacity to maintain this equilibrium frequently achieve greater success in their personal and professional interactions.

In conclusion, the present discourse culminates in the partial acquiescence to the adage "Speach is silver and silence is gold". Given the resonance of silence as an instrument of formidable efficacy in selective contexts, it cannot be disputed that there are equally numerous scenarios where vocalisation is indispensable. Achieving a desirable equilibrium between vocalising one's opinions and maintaining silence is crucially imperative for individuals to assert themselves effectively without engaging in a futile discourse.

Speech is silver and silence is gold? Are you sure?

Bibliography:

  1. Scherer, K. R., & Wallbott, H. G. (1994). Evidence for universality and cultural variation of differential emotion response patterning. Journal of personality and social psychology, 66(2), 310–328.
  2. Keltner, D., & Buswell, B. N. (1997). Embarrassment: Its distinct form and appeasement functions. Psychological Bulletin, 122(3), 250–270.
  3. DeVito, J. A. (2009). The interpersonal communication book (12th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Important words to remember: 

  • assertiveness, 
  • self-control, 
  • wisdom, 
  • respect, 
  • confidence, 
  • balance.