Power of the Pause

The Power (and Problem) of the Pause in Speaking

Pausing is a classic speaking technique. It gives your audience time to absorb what you’re saying, and it gives you a chance to gather your thoughts. But here’s the thing – we’re overusing it.

Have you ever noticed speakers slowing down by inserting unnecessary pauses? It feels dramatic to them, so they assume it feels dramatic to the audience too. But in reality? It’s just boring.

Why? Because most of the time, those pauses are empty. They don’t serve the message or enhance the connection with the audience. They’re just… time. And time without intention is wasted.

A Better Way to Create Impact

Instead of relying on pauses to add drama, use the power of your words. Your words already have energy, emotion, and musicality baked into them. Long vowels, short vowels, punchy consonants, soft hisses – they all create a natural rhythm that can engage your listener far more than empty silence.

If you want to make your audience feel something – excitement, curiosity, anticipation, even tension – don’t rely on silence. Use your words. The way you shape them, the way you emphasise certain sounds, the way you ride the natural melody of speech – that’s where the magic is.

Why Work with a Voice Coach?

Maybe you’ve had public speaking training or media coaching before. You know how to structure your talk, you’ve got your key points nailed, and you’ve mastered the technical side of presenting. But if you really want to stand out, if you want to make your audience lean in and hang onto every word – that’s where a voice coach comes in.

A voice coach helps you find the music in your speech, the rhythm in your delivery, the unique way you communicate. We take what you’re saying and make it sound fecking brilliant.

Want to uplevel your speaking? Call me. I’ll be waiting.

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