Powerful public speaking trick NO ONE is talking about on the internet.
(No, it’s not making eye-contact or the body language)
Reader..
Ever panicked during a presentation when faced with that "awkward silence"?
Does it feel like eternity whenever pausing just for 2 seconds?
Well, you're not alone.
BUT..
What if the key to confidence lies in embracing the silence?
Here are 5 reasons why embracing pauses can be a game-changer for your public speaking:
1 - Pausing for EMPHASIS:
- Use pauses to emphasize key sentences and phrases.
- Imagine sharing a big secret.
- Pause before revealing it to grab attention.
Example: And the secret to impact is… dramatic pause… not forgetting to unmute yourself on Zoom ;)
2 - Pausing to CALM your nerves:
- Nerves spike before starting.
- Pause to calm down.
- Ground yourself, smile, take deep breaths.
Example: Before you start, take a deep breath and remember, even Beyoncé gets nervous.
3 - Pausing to remove FILLER words:
- Replace 'Uh', 'Umm', 'So', & 'You Know' with pauses.
- Befriend the silence to remove fillers.
Example: Instead of saying 'UMM' just pause. It’s like giving your brain a moment to reboot…
without the awkward loading screen.
4 - Pausing for them to DIGEST your content:
- Slow down to give them time to digest your content.
- Pause after each thought group & before switching slide.
Example: Think of it like feeding a baby. You wouldn’t give them all the food at once, right?
Pause and let them chew on your words.
5 - Pausing before ANSWERING questions:
- Take your time to understand questions before answer.
- Pause, organize your thoughts, and then respond.
Example: When asked a question, pause and think... It’s like that moment when you pretend to ponder deeply..
but you're really just hoping your brain catches up ;)
Reader,
Which reason makes a solid case for embracing pauses during presentations?
Reply to this email to let me know 😊
Best,
Waqas - Head Speaking Anxiety Coach
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