Hardly talk at all

As other reviewers have alluded to, it's probably more about knowing how to pick your spot than it is about not saying anything at all. For example, if I'm taking a class that requires a fair amount of participation, I prefer to answer one question in fairly extensive detail, and then to just shut up for the rest of the class. That way the professor knows I've done the readings or assignments and have thought about it, but I'm not just butting in with pointless comments to get participation points.

Underrated. My opponents will disagree, but I've gotten just as much with silence as with noise. . . An old boss gave me some sage advice I never forgot - "There is a point in any negotiation when the next person who speaks loses." And I always look out for that point. . .

It works.

Many times, its knowing how and when to say something. Sometimes, a short, pithy remark will do. Other times, more elaboration might be needed. Sometimes saying nothing is the best route. Especially when you don't know what the heck you're talking about.

I thought I'd check in for abichara's thoughts on this item.

Be careful. Some fellow-earthlings may be easily deceived. For a lot of others you must have an intelligent expression on your face while you remain silent if you do not want to go for a blockhead. An intelligent countenance may be hard to produce and still harder to keep.

There's a lot to be said for keeping your mouth shut,especially if you don't know what you're talking about.Sooner or later,though,you will nod at something stupid said by another and give yourself away.

I see this working for morons, but if you're halfway smart it could make you look like you don't know anything.

sometimes it's best to let everyone else wear out the arguments. once they shut up, and have said all they can say, then share your opinion. but it helps if it's at least somewhat perceptive.i once had a professor tell the rest of the class to shut up and listen to me. he said "mr. johnson always has something profound to add, but he never says it because you all won't shut up." i was shocked... so apparently this plan works... haha

You will have to say what you think eventually, but should you already know stuff, go ahead and be unsociable. I do agree that it can backfire, but if it's not important in a group talk, then it can work.

"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." -- Proverbs 17:28

Sometimes it's best to say only what you have to say, and no more.  As the old saying goes "Open mouth, insert foot!"

I have nothing to say on this.

This is a great one, and it works every time. However, it can backfire and work against you when people expect you to talk. In that case, then just let loose, but don't let your true feelings be known. This can work wonders. However, if you are very goal-oriented, this can be maddening.

It works until you open your mouth. If you spend all that time being quiet,your words better be something well thought out and intelligent. Or else you'll just embarrass yourself. I've seen it happen.

Still waters run deep. You learn a lot more listening and observing than you do with your ears closed and mouth open.

how do you expect to get any smarter if you don't shut up long enough to listen and learn. you could kill 2 birds with one stone.

Sometimes a good thing for those who must listen.

It's best to be humble about your intellect.

That's what I do sometimes. Everyone in high school always thought I was the brainy girl.

Lincoln has been credited (legitimately or not) with the quotation, "better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to break one's silence and remove all doubt. "

Er, yeah.

My son is somewhat like this and he is very intelligent. But I dont claim this to be the rule. Smart maybe but probably just introverted, insecure or a mixture of both.

You have to know how to do it convincingly as saying nothing at all could have the very opposite effect. As Donovan and earthbound point out... you need to show some signs of life every few minutes to indicate that you're keeping up.

This works well as long as every 5 seconds you say.... "exactly"

that would be good. just look like you understand everything the other persons are saying. too bad some are the opposite and have to ramble on about everything and prove they are not so smart.

Sure it can be faked for awhile. But, most people who speak only when they have something to say are spending the rest of the time listening and observing. So, many of them don't have pretend they're smart since it tends to work out that they actually are.

I also taught myself to wiggle each eyebrow independently of the other, which makes you seem deep and perceptive if you time it right and add a 'hmm..'.