"A story is told as much by silence as by speech"

This quote by Susan Griffin speaks to the concept that the lack of words can speak volumes in storytelling. Oftentimes, what is left unsaid can be simply as effective and informing as what is in fact spoken. Silence can develop stress, evoke feeling, and convey meaning in such a way that words might not have the ability to totally catch. The time out between the words can enable reflection and interpretation, leaving space for the listener or reader to complete the gaps with their own ideas and feelings. For that reason, silence can be simply as essential as speech in forming the narrative and engaging the audience in the storytelling procedure.