This study aims to describe the forms of silent and filled silences, while analyzing their
functions. The method used is descriptive qualitative with a psycholinguistic approach.
The data collection technique was carried out through the listening and note-taking
method, namely by repeatedly listening to the speech in the podcast, then transcribing the
conversation between the source and interviewer verbatim. The transcribed data were
marked with sections containing silences, both silent and filled, to be later classified. The
data analysis technique was carried out through several stages, namely identifying
silences based on form, classifying them according to psycholinguistic categories,
analyzing functions based on the context of the speech, and interpreting the meaning and
role of silence in the communication dynamics between the source and interviewer. The
results of the study show that silent silences appear more frequently in PT, with the main
function being a means of providing time to think, controlling emotions when discussing
sensitive issues, and strengthening rhetorical effects to emphasize statements. Filled
silences, on the other hand, are more dominantly used by Najwa Shihab in her role as an
interviewer. Their main function is to maintain speaking turns, smooth transitions
between topics, and provide rhetorical pressure to increase the intensity of the
conversation. Furthermore, filled silences also function interpersonally, creating a more
natural conversational atmosphere and building rapport with the audience. Therefore,
silences in podcasts should not be viewed as meaningless pauses, but rather as
communication strategies with cognitive, affective, rhetorical, and interactive value. This
research confirms that the presence of silences in public conversations plays a crucial
role in shaping the quality of communication, both for the interviewee and the
interviewer.