Pausing for Effect

Copyright (c) 2010 The College Of Public Speaking

When was the last time you observed an experienced speaker?

If the answer is 'Not often enough...' then be prepared to make an appointment for yourself with lots of other good speakers. You see, observing others is a great way of learning. There are so many different styles and there is no limit on the number of excellent speakers we can have out there. There is always something that we can learn from everybody. Just keep your eyes open for it. No two people are alike and everybody should bring their personal creativity to the table.

One of the most under utilised techniques available to a speaker is that of the pause, and if you analyse the difference between most experienced successful speakers and their inexperienced counterparts, it is the willing use of the pause that creates the divide. The pause demonstrates great control and when used appropriately adds a real touch of class.

For those that remain self-focused and by that I mean perplexed by the many eyes caste upon them, the pause is quite difficult. Imagine being there in front of an audience and you are not actually saying anything! Panic sets in and the speaker's pace begins to increase quite quickly. It then looks like they are racing through their speech, rather like Usain Bolt hurtling towards the finishing line. Naturally, the pace picks up; the pitch flattens out and that kills every opportunity for the highs and lows of tonal variety that audiences enjoy so much.

So what can we do to address this problem? Well, it's surprisingly easier than you imagine. If you are a member of a speakers' club, here is a very effective technique. If at the meeting there are a few new and slightly nervous speakers, try this exercise: ask each speaker to stand up in front of the audience and only make eye contact with them. The novice speaker should say nothing, only practise making eye contact with a smile added to the process. After fifteen seconds, the audience should give each individual a round of applause. This exercise is about acceptance. That is, being accepted as one of the group. Nobody threw eggs or tomatoes, nobody snarled angrily at the new recruit. The major issue here is that at a speakers club, you need only show up and get a round of applause for smiling at the audience.

As Woody Allen once said, "80% of success is turning up."


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