Silence speaks volumes

“Silence speaks volumes.”

That was one of the takeaways from a presentation skills workshop I led recently for a global team of researchers.

Yes, in any presentation – especially when you’re presenting complex data – pausing is essential.

And extremely powerful.

And yet, it’s probably the most under-used technique in public speaking. At least in my experience.

Truth is, we’re uncomfortable with silence, and rush to fill the gaps. It’s a reflex that requires some serious habit-breaking.

When I script what I’m going to say (a good idea, especially for the really important bits), I write the word PAUSE at various strategic points. And when I practice, I integrate those PAUSEs.

They act as a reminder to stop there, for a moment...

... ... ...

That moment of time and space isn’t nothing.

Pauses are the chinks of light that illuminate what you have to say. That convey meaning, and emotion.

Enhance your impact, and presence.

Pausing

🧠 Lets your message sink in after important points
🛑 Creates emphasis and contrast
😌 Conveys confidence
🐢 Helps you slow down, breathe, and gather your thoughts
🤐 Reduces those pesky “um”s and “er”s, replacing them by intention.

Those chinks give you – and your audience – space.

Space to hear. Space to connect. Space to digest.

Pauses are an absence. But one that speaks volumes.


How are you using the power of the pause?

Photo by Howei Wang on Unsplash