The first step would be to understand why they are quiet. Are they in agreement with one of the parties expressing their POV or are they not in agreement but not expressing a POV of their own? Open ended questions and clarification on the best way to identify hurdles will be your best bet to move the conversation forward.

You can start by asking probing, open-ended questions that encourage dialogue, allowing the other party to express concerns without feeling cornered. Reframe the discussion around shared interests, emphasising how collaboration benefits both sides. If their silence stems from discomfort or hesitation, offer clarifications or concessions to ease tensions and re-establish trust. In situations where silence persists, suggest moving the conversation to a more informal setting, such as a side meeting or even a pause to reassess priorities. True breakthroughs happen when you embrace silence as a strategic pause—allowing room for thoughtful resolution rather than forcing a response.

Try understanding why they are silent and encourage discussion by asking questions that require more than a Yes or No answer. This should help open the discussion more from just Yes or No. Make sure to provide reasons for your negotiation terms rather than just putting it. Ask for any confusions or questions regarding any terms and be patient with it. Have small talk only if required to be able to have more open discussions.

During a negotiation, if the other party remains silent, try asking open-ended questions like “What do you think about this proposal?” or offer alternatives to spark a reaction. You can also use silence to your advantage by allowing time for reflection or share your own thoughts to encourage a response. Showing empathy, such as “I understand you need time to consider this,” can also help. These strategies have worked for me to break the silence and keep the conversation professional and constructive.

To break the communication barrier when the other party is silent, try verifying understanding with open-ended questions, clarifying concerns, and providing reassurance. Consider shifting communication channels or summarizing progress to re-establish dialogue. You can also offer alternatives or establish a deadline for a follow-up conversation. Non-confrontational approaches, such as "What are your thoughts on..." or "Is everything okay with the proposed terms?", can help overcome silence and move the conversation forward.

Why not just start to talk to the wall and pretend it's a better negotiating partner? If there is still silence, hit the wall, saying: "looks like we hit a wall with these negotiations". Stand up and walk away.

When the other party is silent during contract talks, it’s essential to gently break the communication barrier by asking open-ended questions to encourage dialogue. Show genuine interest in their concerns and listen actively to understand their perspective. By creating a collaborative environment, you can work together to identify mutual goals and find common ground. This approach helps ensure both parties are on the same page, fostering a more productive negotiation atmosphere.