What's in a pause?

I'll never forget the surprise and delight I felt the first time I saw it - a tiny creature letting me in on one of nature's best kept secrets. 

I'd been staying at a colorful, eclectic airbnb in San Diego, surrounded by impossibly beautiful views. I'd stayed there many times before, and kept returning for the scenery and the company - the charming owner with a penchant for bizarre antiques and extraterrestrial life. 

One breezy morning, I sat on her front steps, pausing to appreciate the day. Looking out onto the view, I spotted a lizard who had also taken a moment to stop.

It looked like he was moving. I moved in closer and I couldn't believe it - he was doing pushups! 

This lizard was doing a full workout right before my eyes. And, he was in great shape!  

I later learned that western fence lizards do pushups to attract lady lizards during mating season. 

I tell you this story to illustrate two things - how similar humans and lizards are after all, and what a perfectly placed pause in my routine did for my day. 

I could have easily stayed in bed that morning, or spent my time on the step looking at my phone. But, I chose to pause and appreciate my surroundings - and did it ever pay off! 

Just like a refreshing pause in your day, a well placed pause during a talk can give your audience that sense of wonder, curiosity, and excitement.

Pausing gets a bad rap because people often want to speed through their presentations.

But, pausing is actually an incredibly powerful tool - one that can enhance passionate moments, create suspense, and give space for an insight or hard truth to land. 

Think about shows like American Idol.

All 3 finalists stand on the stage, hope filling them up inside. The host grips the microphone and speaks slowly to the camera.

"And, the winner..." 

(Short pause)

"of this season's competition..."

(Short pause)

"is..."

(Long pause)

"Shawn!"

Those pauses make for great TV, because there is so much emotion packed into them.

We see the closeup shots of the contestants, bursting with anticipation. We see the judges, anxious to see who the audience chose. And, of course, we have our own hopes and fears about the outcome. Will they choose our favorite singer?!

A pause, when used wisely and thoughtfully, can create suspense where you want it to, or draw attention to your point.

Pauses can help your audience focus, know when to really pay attention, and sit at the edge of their seats, waiting to hear what you say next.

So, don't be afraid of the pause. Embrace it, use it well, and notice the power it holds.

And, if you have a few extra minutes, take a pause during your day to sit outside. You never know what you might see!

Are you ready to create a poignant, memorable talk?

Click here to book a call with me and see how your material can be enhanced with some perfectly placed pauses.