One of the most underrated signals of confidence isn’t how much you say.
It’s how comfortable you are with silence.
Just this past week, a small group of Wednesday Women Executive Members got to meet with the incomparable Glo Harris - a brilliant psychotherapist who has been executive coach to many of the Silicon Valley CEOs that you’d know by name.
And although Glo is a font of knowledge, on any day. That day, she shared a piece of feedback that was like a glass of water in my face.
It was a bit shocking, and totally on point. A simple thing to point out, that makes a big difference in how I interact with colleagues, podcast guests, and anyone I’m talking with.
“When you want to ask a question, just ask one question. Then shut up. Let it land.”
When we rush to explain, clarify, or stack question on top of question, it often comes from a quiet fear: What if I wasn’t clear? What if I wasn’t heard?
As Glo points out, it also makes your audience feel: Does she think I am dumb or need more explanation?
Asking one simple question — and letting the silence do its work — signals presence, authority, and respect. It tells the other person: I trust you to think. I trust myself to wait.
So here’s a gentle experiment:
See if you can just ask a single question today, when you’re asking someone — and resist the urge to fill the space afterward.
I double-dog dare you.
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This email was inspired by our special interview series with Glo Harris on The Ripple podcast.
p.s. Every issue of this newsletter is written by hand, by one of our amazing Wednesday Women team. Have an idea for something we should include? Simply reply to this email and we’ll be in touch!
