SILENCE-AND-PAUSING5 MIN READ
Use the pause ladder
Apply a four-step pause ladder after asking a high-value question.
Dana needs to hold a high-value question without making the silence feel abandoned. The pause ladder Ask one clean question No pre-answer, no stack of three questions Start Hold still Neutral face, no notes rescue, count silently 3-7 sec Listen for the first signal Breath, eye contact, partial phrase, or correction Scan Choose the next move Invite, label, reframe, or extend the pause Respond Question quality Wait-time discipline Listening signal Intentional next move
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