Q&A for How to Remain Silent for a Whole Day

You should tell the people in your life ahead of time if you're going to be doing something like this. If someone who doesn't know about it tries to talk to you, you can ignore them, write the answer down, or show them a sign that says you've taken a vow of silence.

It depends on your definition of 'silence'. Maybe you want to be silent for the reason of cutting off communication with others. If that is the case, steer clear of texting. If you want to be silent as a way to clear your mind or to avoid talking to those in close proximity, but not completely turning off all communications, then texting would be okay. It really all depends on your preferences.

They think something is wrong and see if they can make you feel better or find out what's wrong. They might also be unaware that you are taking a vow of silence. Lastly, it is human nature to talk. If someone does not talk, other people might suspect that something is amiss.

Yes, this is a great way to remind yourself of your goal.

Try to tell your friends in advance that you are planning to take a vow of silence on a certain day. If they must speak with you, reply using a pen and notepad. If you must talk, do so, but keep it brief and to the point; don't elaborate with unnecessary details or chatter. Do not ignore your friends, or they might take it the wrong way.

Sure, it could be confusing and worrying to people if you suddenly stop talking to them and don't explain why. It would be best to tell them ahead of time what you're going to be doing and why.

No. If you're being abused in any way, it's best to speak to someone you trust about it.

Tell those types of people a few days in advance, or, if they continue to talk to you, tell them (on paper) that you are doing this challenge. If they ignore this, then stop communicating with them entirely for the day.

They feel that it is rude that you are not talking to them because they feel you are excluding them or blocking them out. When this happens during your challenge, write them a note about your plans or notice them in advance.

It depends on the person. If someone liked peace and quiet it would probably calm them. If someone who talked a lot went without talking for the entire day it would probably stress them more. At your age though, you should have the wisdom to know when you need to retreat to recuperate and how much time you need to restore your energy levels. So trust what you know about yourself!

Of course you should! Shout, kick, scream, punch, do anything to alert someone that some is hurt or that someone is attacking you.

As long as you don't say words out loud, you will be fine. Silence means no talking, but thinking is OK.

You can tap the person you're asking on the shoulder or something and point to the thing you're asking for, and gesture for them to give it to you. If this person knows sign language, they may know the sign for please, which is rubbing your chest in a circle, which you can do to say please. If you want to say thank you, touch your hand to your chin and bring your hand down. Also, you can always write a note.

Just focus on being empathetic. Think before you open your mouth and remind yourself to be kind.

Carry a pad of paper with you so you can write your responses.

Then try to choose a day when you CAN avoid being talked to. Otherwise, you'll be frustrated in your quest.

You can, but I don't recommend it. It could harm your mouth. Write a note on your hand instead.

Tell them in advance that it has nothing to do with them, or write them a note on a piece of paper.

Yes, you can. Lots of people who don’t know sign language do this.

Stopping speaking for as little as a few days can quiet a person's inner monologue as well. If this allows you more peace, then consider it a health benefit. It might have direct or indirect health benefits as well.

They feel that something is wrong, so make sure to tell them in advance, or write it down on paper that you are not speaking for the day.

Yes. You should not ignore someone when they ask you something, especially a teacher or other adult. To avoid offending people or causing confusion, you should let people know ahead of time or write a note letting them know you are trying to remain silent for the whole day.

No, of course not! As long as it's for a good cause, then you can be silent for a cause without feeling like you're doing something bad.

Yes you can, it just depends on how you feel about silence. You can either answer through pad pen, texting, etc. There are many ways to talk while silence is taken without talking for real. There's no right or wrong way of doing it, do what is the best for you.