The Best Public Speaking Tip - How to Utilize Pausing to Become a Stronger Speaker

Introduction:

Public speaking is not an easy feat, and one of the most common challenges is figuring out how to connect with the audience. The last thing you want is to lose their attention or make them bored. Luckily, there is one powerful tool every speaker can use to improve their performance - pausing! In this blog post, I will share with you the best public speaking tip you can use to transform your presentations and speak with confidence. You will discover why pausing is essential, how to use pausing effectively, and some examples of speakers who use this technique to engage and inspire their audiences.

1. Getting rid of filler words:

When we speak, it's natural to use filler words such as "um," "ah," "you know." These words can be annoying to the audience, and they undermine your credibility. Pausing can help you eliminate them, and here's how. Before you start speaking, take a deep breath and pause for two to three seconds. This will help you collect your thoughts and calm your nerves. As you speak, pause after each point you make, or when you need to find the right words. This will help you eliminate filler words, and your speech will sound more polished and confident.

2. Making your talk engaging:

Pausing is an excellent technique to make your talk more exciting, especially when you're discussing an important point or need some emphasis. When you pause, you create suspense, and your audience will want to know what's coming next. You can use short pauses to highlight key points, and longer pauses to create dramatic effect. For instance, when you want to make an emotional connection with your audience, pause and look them in the eye. This will give them time to absorb your message and make them feel like you're speaking directly to them.

3. Interacting with the audience:

Pausing gives you time to interact with the audience, whether it's asking a question or taking a sip of water. When you pause, you show that you're present and connected with the audience. You can also use pauses to create space for the audience to respond. For example, when you ask a question, pause, and wait for people to answer before you continue. This will show that you value their input and create a more dynamic presentation.

4. Examples of speakers who use pausing:

There are many famous speakers who use pausing to create memorable speeches. One of them is Barack Obama, who is known for his precise and deliberate pauses. He uses pauses to emphasize his words, and his speeches are always full of dramatic pauses. Another example is Martin Luther King Jr., who used pauses to create cadence and rhythm in his speeches. His "I have a dream" speech is an excellent example of how pauses can help create the right tone and message.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, pausing is a powerful public speaking tool that can help you connect with your audience and deliver a polished, engaging presentation. By using pauses, you can eliminate filler words, make your talk more interesting, and interact with your audience. Now that you know why pausing is essential, it's time to practice and incorporate it into your next speech. Don't be afraid to take the time you need to collect your thoughts, emphasize key points, and create suspense. If you want to become an expert in public speaking, I invite you to check out our public speaking training course called ACE Your Public Speaking. You will learn how to overcome stage fright, engage your audience, and boost your confidence. Sign up now on our website, www.sparkyourspeaking.com, and take advantage of our limited-time offer at a reduced price.

Kathy 

Executive Speaking Coach

Spark Your Speaking

www.sparkyourspeaking.com

[email protected]