“Often a sign of expertise is noticing what doesn’t happen.” – Malcolm Gladwell
In “The Hound of the Baskervilles”, Sherlock Holmes notices that the dogs did NOT bark, indicating that they knew the individual in question. It was the absence of a clue that cracked the case.
The trained observer is looking for the missing things, such as the lack of agitation or the quiet individual trying to slip away when a distraction is occurring.
The brilliant musician or orator knows the power of the pause.
Look for what is not there, for this void contains great insight.