How to Communicate If You Have Taken a Vow of Silence

Some events allow you to employ written communications during vows of silence.

Taking a vow of silence entails different kinds of communication restrictions that depend on the guidelines pertaining to the purpose for which the vow was taken. Some events allow the use of electronic devices as long as participants do not use their voices. Other events may restrict any kind of communication altogether, including social networking, email, texting, handwritten notes and hand gestures. In more strict cases, such as taking a meditative vow of silence, participants may not even make eye contact.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic device
• Pen and paper
• Household objects
• Speaking cards

Instructions

1. Use electronic devices to communicate. If not prohibited in your vow of silence, this can include social networking, email, instant messaging, online chat and phone texts.

2. Carry around a notebook and pen. Write requests on the paper. You might even write common questions on the front pages so you can show them to communicate without having to write them down each time. For example, "May I please have some food?" or "May I be excused?"

3. Signal your requests with hand gestures. If you and the person you are communicating with know sign language and hand gestures are not prohibited in your vow, this is a viable option. Otherwise, motioning with your hands and face or pointing to an object can signal hunger, thirst, hygiene needs or that you would like someone to pass you an object.

4. Set up a communication system with a trusted individual using objects before taking your vow of silence. For example, placing a bowl on the counter might mean a request for food. Setting the keys on a desk might signal that you need to borrow the car or be driven to an event. You might make a chart beforehand so you and your communicator remember each of the signals.

5. Print out speaking cards for your event. Some events make spreading the message of your vow of silence a mandatory part of the vow. Speaking cards can reveal the reason for the vow on one side and a request for donations or "how you can help" tips on the other side.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check out the rules or guidelines of communication for a particular event before taking the vow so as not to break it accidentally.

References

• Free the Children: Vow of Silence
• Harvard University: Meditation Camp
• The Free Library by Farlex Student Pledging Year-Long Vow of Silence to Communicate with Motorola's Talkabout T900 Messaging Device
• St. Albert Gazette; 28 Students Take 24-hour Vow of Silence; Lauren Den Hartog; November 2010
• Day of Silence: Get Ready