A recognisable situation
Two parties have repeated their position three times. No one hears anything new anymore. Every additional sentence mainly clarifies that no one wants to budge. The facilitator allows silence for a moment and then says: "I believe we now know where everyone stands."
A question to consider
What can silence give you now that another argument can no longer provide?
In plain words
We are used to filling silence. But sometimes everything necessary has already been said. Silence can then prevent the conversation from hardening further with words that add nothing new.
The nuance
Never use silence to punish someone, make them insecure or exercise power.
Explanation in own words at What truly moves people and the speaker's compass. Book p. 117; speaker's compass p. 30.
Practice this insight

