Even one friendly word can break hours of silence, and that single act can completely shift the energy in a room. It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t need a grand speech to make a connection. Small gestures often have the biggest impact.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote is about the disproportionate power of a small, positive action to dismantle a large, negative state.
Explanation
Let me tell you, I’ve seen this play out so many times. You’re in a tense meeting, or maybe just a quiet, awkward car ride. The silence isn’t just empty; it’s heavy. It builds up, minute by minute, and everyone feels the weight of it. But then, someone—maybe the shyest person in the room—just says something simple. A genuine “I like your idea” or a lighthearted comment about the weather. And whoosh. The pressure valve releases. That one friendly word acts like a crack in a dam, and suddenly the whole dynamic changes. It’s not about the content of the word, it’s about the intent behind it. It’s a signal that says, “I’m here, you’re here, let’s connect.” It takes courage, but the ROI is insane.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Skill (416) |
| Topics | communication (196), connection (265), kindness (37) |
| Literary Style | minimalist (442), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | gentle (183), hopeful (357) |
| Overall Quote Score | 80 (256) |
Origin & Factcheck
This line comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s 2002 book, Goodbye to Shy: 85 Shybusters That Work. It’s a practical guide for overcoming social anxiety, and this quote is a key piece of its philosophy. You won’t find it misattributed to some ancient philosopher; it’s a modern, actionable insight from a communication expert.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Leil Lowndes (235) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Goodbye to Shy: 85 Shybusters That Work (50) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Even one friendly word can break hours of silence |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2000; ISBN: 9780071412946; Last edition: McGraw-Hill, 2004; Number of pages: 304 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 34: Power in Small Words, Approximate page from 2004 edition |