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The power of the pause
Definition: An intentional silence to draw attention to the words before or after an interlude; a break in the flow of words for effect. A pause gives the speaker some breathing space and settles the nerves, gives time to the listener to rest and process what has been said. It will make listening to you much easier.
• How long and where to place them
“Good afternoon, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here with you tonight and I’m looking forward to sharing with you some useful tips about public speaking.”
Avoid a short pause after each word. It sounds artificial and like a robot. It sounds nervous and lacking confidence and conviction. Pause of the same length does not sound natural and beautiful.
• Pauses for ironic purposes
A pause where it would not be expected or made longer than necessary can be ironic.
“For Brutus is an (long pause) honourable man…”
• A brief silence gives effect and importance
Build suspense and maintain the interest – listeners anticipate what comes next. A pregnant pause signals that something significant is about to be said, something that you want listeners to hear. It also gives the audience time to answer rhetorical questions in the mind.
Have you had a cigarette today? (pause)
What your habit is costing in one year (brief pause)
A decade (pause)
A lifetime (longer pause).
• Power is symbolized by silence
The proficient speaker knows how to use pauses and more prominent he becomes, the more slowly he speaks and with longer pauses.
President Mitterrand:
1974 : as opposition politician 30% of the speech consisted of pauses.
1984: as popular President 45% of the speech consisted of pauses.
• Vocalised pauses – you knows - nows - okays
With many nows and you knows the audience will start counting them instead of listening to your speech.
• Transition
Finally the pause can be also used as a transition – moving from one point to another.
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