Patricia Fripp: Public Speaking Tip: Never Underestimate the Pause

public speaking tip never underestimate the pause a speech is not a monologue a speech is a conversation between your words and each audience member's inner dialogue The Magic happens in the space between your sentences in the pauses where your listeners can truly connect with your message Alan older said it's the space between the lines that makes a great performance this idea applies beautifully to public speaking too pauses give your audience a chance to mentally interact with your words to feel think and react my brother Robert Frip the legendary guitarist says the music is between the notes not in the notes in a speech your message isn't only your words it's those intentional silences between them these pauses can communicate just as much if not more than what you say a pause isn't a moment of nothingness it's a powerful tool for connecting with your audience when you pause you're showing respect for their experience letting them absorb what you're saying and if you're a naturally fast talker poses are essential it gives your audience a chance to catch up and stay with you every time you speak remember never underestimate the power of the pause if your message must be memorable I can help let's talk