PAUSE when You Present

Pausing is typically the most under-utilised tool that a presenter has. 

Most people who use the phone to conduct business only concern themselves with their message. For example, they want to explain a product, fix your software or update you on month-end results. They forget that how you say it matters. 

When a voice "sounds" great, the presenter is pausing a lot. If you aren't pausing, here are the risks you take:


People will ask you to repeat 

While you may want to move forward with your explanation, the person on the other end may interrupt you constantly to say "I didn't get that. Can you say it again?" It will derail even the most confident speaker.


Articulation will be affected 
When you are not pausing enough, the lips, teeth and tongue aren't in the right position to say the words correctly. People may not understand you, particularly if English is their second language and if they can't see your facial expression. It is never a good thing if people mistakenly think you have said something other than what was intended.


Your ideas will not stand out 

Without pausing, thoughts blend together. Nothing seems important. Your great idea or solution will be overlooked, leaving you feeling defeated and perhaps, costing your company to lose money or miss an opportunity.


People will respond incorrectly 

When you ask a direct question, an individual who didn't hear all of what you said because your voice faded will respond the wrong way. If they are a subordinate, it will be embarrassing to them.


An accent won't be understood 

Some native languages, such as Spanish, are spoken at a much faster pace. However, if you have an accent, it will be difficult for others to grasp your meaning. Articulation will be affected, and words will not be said the way listeners learned them.


You will be perceived as lacking confidence 

Inevitably, filler or non-words appear when a speaker is not pausing at the end of sentences or thoughts. When there are a lot of "ums and ahs," the presenter will seem hesitant or unsure. People expect to talk to a subject matter expert. They do not want to waste their time with someone who doesn't seem to be confident.


People will be confused 

 Pausing helps people to decide the right "bucket" in which to place your information. It helps them to follow your argument. If a presenter moves too quickly from point to point, listeners will be confused. Remember, a confused mind always says "NO."


Listeners will become annoyed 
They may feel you only want to get them off the phone and be done with them. They may ask to speak to someone other than you.


Pausing is a lifeline for your listeners. It is also a lifeline for you. It will help you to be more successful. When we really want someone to get it, we speak slowly. "I am lost. PAUSE. Where is the airport?"


Help your listeners to get what you are saying by pausing often.