The Secret Weapon of Confident Speakers
Public speaking is more than delivering words—it’s about engaging your audience and making your message resonate. Yet, one of the most overlooked tools in public speaking skills is the power of pausing. A well-placed pause can transform how your message is received, enhancing your presentation skills and giving you an edge as a confident and compelling communicator. Effective communication often relies on these small but impactful techniques.
Stef Tovar, an executive speaking and performance coach at JPG, shares this key advice: take your time. While it might feel counterintuitive to pause, it’s a critical skill for anyone looking to improve public speaking
Here’s why it works.
Why Pausing in Public Speaking is Essential
Captivating Your Audience
A pause in your speech serves multiple purposes:
- Emphasizes key points: Strategic silence in public speaking creates a natural spotlight on the words that came just before it. It gives your audience time to process and absorb your message.
- Project confidence: Rushed speech can make you seem unsure or overly eager. Intentional pauses signal control and poise, allowing you to own the stage.
- Improves clarity: Filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “you know” often sneak into speech when people are afraid of silence. Intentional pauses reduce the need for these verbal crutches.
Practical Public Speaking Examples: How Impactful Pauses Enhance Your Message
To better understand the power of pausing, consider these examples:
- The Storyteller’s Pause: Imagine telling a story where the climax involves a surprising twist. Saying, “And then I opened the door… (pause)… and found the room empty,” makes the audience hang on your words, eager to hear what comes next. Without the pause in public speaking , the moment loses its impact.
- The Presenter’s Pause: In a business presentation, instead of rushing through a key insight, try saying, “This quarter, we achieved something remarkable. (pause) Our sales increased by 25%, surpassing all expectations.” The pause creates anticipation and makes your achievement memorable.
How to Train Yourself to Pause with Confidence
Mastering pauses isn’t about stopping randomly; it’s about creating intentional moments of silence.
(H4) Here’s how to practice for public speaking:
- Use natural breaks: End a sentence, close your mouth, and breathe through your nose before starting the next thought.
- Mark pauses in your script: If you’re working from prepared remarks, add notations or highlight sections where you want to pause.
- Practice aloud: Record yourself speaking and listen for rushed segments. Practice pausing deliberately, especially in places where filler words tend to creep in.
Overcoming the Fear of Silence
Many speakers feel uncomfortable with silence, fearing it might come across as awkward or make them seem unprepared. In reality, silence signals thoughtfulness and authority. Remember, the audience isn’t as focused on the pauses as you are—they are listening to your message.
(H4) If you find yourself nervous, try grounding techniques:
- Take a few deep breaths before stepping on stage.
- Visualize yourself speaking confidently and calmly.
- Remind yourself that pauses are your ally, not your enemy.
Mistakes to Avoid When Practicing Pauses
(H4) While pausing is powerful, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overusing pauses: Too many pauses can disrupt the flow and confuse your audience. Use them strategically.
- Pausing without purpose: A pause should serve a function—emphasizing a point, transitioning between ideas, or giving the audience time to reflect.
- Fidgeting during pauses: Avoid distracting movements like tapping a pen or shuffling papers. Stillness reinforces the strength of your silence.
Why Taking Your Time Makes You a Better Leader
Leaders are often seen as calm, composed, and in control.
Rushing through speech can make you appear anxious, while intentional pauses project authority. When you take your time, you convey to your audience that your message is worth listening to.
At Janicek Performance Group, we empower leaders to excel in every facet of communication. From media training to public speaking coaching, our team provides actionable strategies to help you deliver impactful messages. With coaches across the country and a focus on tailored guidance, we are here to help you elevate your skills and captivate your audience. Contact us to learn how we can support your growth.
