Public Speaking Tips - 'The Pause'
Introduction
Public speaking is a rite of passage that can induce butterflies in anyone. Believe me, everyone has been there. The anticipation and the nerves are included in the package.
However, let's have a heart-to-heart. These nerves? They are your body's way of letting you know this is significant. It indicates that you care about what you're saying, which is a potent quality. Let's now discuss the unsung heroes of public speaking: the pause and the silence.
In the midst of our hectic lives, silence is frequently overshadowed. We are conditioned to believe that every second must contain words. A well-placed pause, however, is not a void; it is a spotlight. This is your opportunity to allow your audience to fully comprehend what you are saying.
As we embark on this journey of public speaking, keep in mind that we are not simply addressing nerves; we are transforming them into your secret weapon. It is about recognising that sometimes the most significant moments are the quiet ones, the ones that speak volumes without words.
“Being at one with silence removes the need to make those noises, giving you more authority”
The Symphony of Silence: Lessons from Music
In the world of music, great composers like Debussy understood the profound impact of pauses. The space between notes, the variation in note lengths, and the art of phrasing – these are the elements that breathe life into a composition. Much like a conductor interprets a composer's intention, so too must a speaker infuse intention into their words through well-placed pauses.
Reflect on this: How might viewing your speech as a composition change the way you approach public speaking?
The Miles Davis Approach: Less is More
Legendary jazz trumpeter, Miles Davis, was a master of minimalism. He knew that each note held significance, and it had to be delivered at precisely the right moment. This ethos of deliberate communication led to some of the most iconic jazz compositions in history.
Consider: How can applying the principle of precision in your speech transform your communication?
Listening: The Forgotten Pause
As a coach, I've come to appreciate the power of listening as a form of pausing in dialogue. It's the act of resisting the urge to immediately provide answers, allowing the space for genuine understanding and connection. In this pause, layers of insight are unveiled, paving the way for authentic solutions.
Pause for thought: How might actively listening, rather than immediately responding, enhance your coaching or sales interactions?
Harnessing the Pause in Public Speaking
When facing an audience, the strategic use of a pause is akin to a conductor's baton, guiding the rhythm of your speech. A well-timed pause accomplishes several crucial objectives:
1. Demonstrate Authority: A brief pause punctuates your words, demanding attention and conveying confidence.
2. Allow Absorption: It grants your audience the time to process complex concepts, ensuring your message resonates.
3. Find Composure: Inhale deeply through your nose, exhale, and let the pause be a moment of calm amidst the storm of words.
Try this: The next time you speak in public, consciously integrate a pause. Observe the impact it has on your delivery.
The Breath of Meaning
Just as different notes in music evoke different emotions, various types of breaths can imbue your pause with diverse meanings
- Silent Inhalation: Calms your audience, preparing them for what's to come.
- Extended Hold: Captures attention and emphasizes the forthcoming phrase.
- Loud Inhalation: Adds a sense of urgency and importance to your message.
- Audible Exhalation: Conveys emotion, allowing your audience to feel your words.
Experiment with breath and observe how it shapes your pauses and, consequently, your speech.
Conclusion
In the realm of professional communication, the pause is not a void to be filled, but a space to be owned. It punctuates your words, giving them weight and resonance. When mastered, it elevates your presence and impact.
Takeaway: Integrate the power of the pause strategically. Let it be the silent force that conveys authority, deepens understanding, and amplifies your influence in public speaking.
Ready to unlock your full speaking potential? Sign up for my mailing list HERE for weekly tips and techniques. And don't hesitate to schedule a no-obligation discovery call HERE to learn more about how I can help you find your voice and become a confident public speaker.
Since receiving a PGDip in Jazz Performance from Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2002 and being awarded the Archers Scholarship, Jimmy has studied vocal technique with Colin Baldy (New College Oxford) and later with Kevin Burke in New York.
He holds a Master's degree in Voice Pedagogy from the University of Wales Trinity St David as well as acceptance and commitment therapy training.