The Power Of The Pause - Creating Clarity

2nd August 2024

I want to share a communication tip that will help you get the most from your meetings and other interactions.

Pausing might seem counterintuitive in fast-paced business environments, but it’s a powerful tool for effective communication. Here’s why:

1. Enhances Clarity

Pausing gives you a moment to gather your thoughts and helps ensure that your message is clear and concise. 

 2. Engages Your Audience

A well-timed pause can draw your audience’s attention to your comment, making them more engaged in what you’re saying. A badly timed pause, can leave them confused and, if in a meeting, someone to interject at the wrong time.

3. Shows Confidence

Confident speakers aren’t afraid of silence. Pausing demonstrates control and confidence, reinforcing your leadership presence.

I recently had a highly critical meeting in a healthcare setting where using pauses effectively helped me lead the conversation and engage all stakeholders. We had a clear, common goal and a very limited timeframe, so pauses were vital for thinking time and it showed everyone's confidence in their own role within the meeting. 

Try This

The next time you’re in a meeting or presenting, take a brief pause before key points. Notice how it affects your delivery and the reaction of your audience. You might be surprised by the positive impact! If you are very unconfident, try this out with friends and colleagues who you trust first.

You can also use meeting recordings to watch yourself and see how you are doing with this. I find that people are either quite natural at this already, and others need support.

If you found this tip helpful and want to learn more about enhancing your communication skills, I'm looking for four leaders or high-performers to join my 1:1 Elite Voices Summer programme 2024. Please contact me to find out more or to book your Voice Work Consultation. Email kellyATvoice-work.co.uk or call 07857 300362