Master The Positive Power of The Pause in Presentations
January 27, 2023
Do you pause enough when you present? Do you talk too fast when you present? How do you use pauses in speeches?
As a professional, you know that giving effective presentations is a critical skill. Whether you’re presenting to colleagues, clients, or investors, you need to learn how to use pauses in presentations and pauses in speech.
The way you deliver your message will have a huge impact on your audience’s perception of you and your ideas. The presentation pause is a key leadership skill to learn.
Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball
Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London. Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page.
What Does ‘Power of the Pause’ Mean?
One often-overlooked aspect of presentation delivery is the power of the pause. What we notice in our public speaking training is that people do not pause enough when presenting.
While it might seem counter-intuitive, strategically placed pauses in presentations help you connect with your audience, clarify your message, and enhance your impact. You should learn when to pause in a presentation.
First, let’s define what we mean by “pause”. For presentations and talks, a pause can be as short as a half-second or as long as several seconds. It’s not about stopping your speech entirely, but rather taking a brief moment to pause before continuing.
And how often should we pause when presenting? As a rule of thumb, you’ll look great with a pause every 5-12 words. In reality, most people just don’t pause enough. So when you are practising your presentation, just keep adding more pauses and longer pauses and see what impact you make. You’ll probably find that your presentation gets better the more pauses you add. That’s the power of the pause.
Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Speech Coaching
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years. Our coaching is fast and effective. We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups. Call us today to learn more.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
Pauses help you connect with your audience. When you pause in speech, you give your audience a chance to take in what you’ve just said. This helps them feel engaged in the conversation and more likely to remember what you say.
Pauses clarify your message. If you’re presenting complex information, a pause will help your audience process what you’re saying. This makes your message more effective and easier to understand.
Pauses add emphasis to key points. Pauses in speech, before or after an important point, draws attention to it and help your audience remember it better.
Pauses help you manage your nerves. If you’re feeling anxious about presenting, pausing gives you a chance to take a deep breath and compose yourself before continuing.
Watch Julian Treasure in this TED talk and see how he uses multiple, frequent pauses to keep your attention. This is a good example of the power of the pause. Note also how he pauses at the very start, before he says anything.
Here are a seven tips on when to use pauses in speech:
1. Use a pause to emphasise key points.
As mentioned above, pausing before or after a particularly important point will draw attention to it.
2. Use pauses to manage your nerves.
If you’re feeling anxious, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath before continuing. This will help you stay calm and focused.
3. Use pauses to clarify complex information.
If you’re presenting something that might be difficult for your audience to understand, take a moment to pause so they can process what you’re saying.
4. Use a pause to connect with your audience.
By pausing and making eye contact with individual members of your audience, you can create a personal connection with them.
5. Use pauses to help your audience understand.
Regular speech pauses (say every 10 words) gives your audience time to digest what they have heard.
6. Use pauses to add gravitas.
The improved pacing – and carefully paced pauses in speech – make you sound more knowledgeable. Only confidence – gives you the power – to pause when you want.
7. Practice, practice, practice.
The more you practise your presentation, the more comfortable you’ll be with the pacing and timing of your pauses.
It’s worth noting that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you’re pausing too frequently or for too long, it can disrupt the flow of your presentation and distract your audience. As with any skill, the key is to find the right balance. But most people do not pause enough. Again, practise and get feedback. You’ll improve faster that way.
Practise Your Power Pauses in Speech
Try this little exercise to improve your pausing. Keep repeating this phrase and experiment with pausing more often and in different places. Record yourself.
A pause shows poise, control, confidence, use it, master it
If you really want to get good at pausing, then try this power of the pause exercise. Say this passage from the King James’ Bible (which was designed to be spoken out loud, and work out how to pause so that the meaning becomes clearer:
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Pauses in speech are an often-overlooked aspect of presentation delivery. To be more effective, more and better pauses will improve the impression you make and it will help you land your message.
By using strategic pauses in speech, you can connect with your audience, clarify your message, and enhance the overall impact of your presentation.
If you work with one of our presentation coaches, you’ll learn what a huge improvement pauses make. So next time you’re preparing to give a presentation, don’t forget the power of the pause.
Master Your Presentation Skills With Expert Coaching
If you’d like help polishing your presentation and public speaking skills, get in touch. Learn about our presentation coaching and public speaking training. Call Louise Angus today on +44 20 7018 0922.
Why Choose Us: Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching
We can help you present brilliantly.Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky
For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.
Some recent clients
Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.
Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.
Pauses are crucial in speech because they: Enhance clarity: Give listeners time to process what you’ve said. Emphasise key points: Draw attention to important ideas or messages. Convey confidence: Demonstrate that you’re in control of the pace and content of your speech. Engage the audience: Create anticipation and keep the audience focused.
2. When should I use pauses in my speech?
Use pauses everywhere. The more the better. For example:
Before important points: To highlight a key message or idea. After asking a question: To give the audience time to think and respond mentally. Between sections: To signal a transition or change in topic. During emotional moments: To allow the audience to absorb and react to what’s been said. When you need to gather your thoughts: To maintain composure and avoid filler words like “um” or “uh.”
3. How long should a pause be?
As a rule of thumb, the bigger your audience, the longer the pause. The length of a pause also depends on its purpose: Short pause (1-2 seconds): Used to separate ideas or emphasise a point. Medium pause (2-3 seconds): Ideal after asking a rhetorical question or making an important statement. Long pause (4-5 seconds or more): Can be used for dramatic effect or to allow the audience to fully absorb a powerful or emotional moment.
Remember, what might feel like a long pause to you often feels natural and effective to your audience. Try working with a public speaking coach or recording yourself to hear what your pauses sound like in real life.
4. How do I avoid awkward pauses in my speech?
What might feel like an awkward pause to you might sound like a thoughtful leader to your audience. SO record yourself, or work with a presentation coach. Also:
Practice your speech: Rehearse with a focus on where to insert pauses. Use pauses intentionally: Plan your pauses in advance so they feel deliberate rather than accidental. Look confident: Maintain eye contact and a composed posture during pauses to signal that they are intentional.
5. Can pauses be too long?
Yes, of course, pauses can be too long if they:
Disrupt the flow: Break the continuity of your speech, making it hard for the audience to follow. Cause discomfort: Make the audience feel uneasy or lead them to believe you’ve lost your train of thought. Signal a lack of preparation: If your pause seems unintentional, it may suggest you’re unprepared or unsure.
To prevent this, practice timing your pauses so they enhance rather than
6. How can I practice using pauses effectively?
To practice using pauses:
Record yourself: Listen to recordings of your speech to assess how your pauses sound and adjust as needed. Rehearse with others: Get feedback from peers or professional presentation coaches on your use of pauses. Practice with a script: Mark your script with indicators for where to pause and for how long. Start small: If you’re new to using pauses, begin by incorporating them in small sections of your speech and gradually expand.
7. How can I use pauses to manage nervousness?
Pauses can help manage nervousness by: Allowing you to breathe: Taking a moment to pause gives you time to take a deep breath and relax. Giving you time to think: Pausing helps you gather your thoughts and maintain control of your delivery. Slowing down your speech: Nervousness often leads to speaking too quickly; pausing can help regulate your pace.
8. What should I do during a pause?
During a pause: Maintain eye contact: Engage with your audience by looking at them, which also reinforces your confidence. Breathe calmly: Use the pause to take a deep, controlled breath. Stay composed: Keep your body language open and relaxed to convey confidence. Reflect on your next point: Use the pause to mentally prepare for the next section of your speech.
9. Can pauses be used in virtual presentations?
Yes, pauses are equally important in virtual presentations. They: Prevent overwhelming the audience: Give online listeners time to process your points, especially with potential technical delays. Create space for interaction: Allow for questions or comments in real-time chats or discussions. Reinforce key messages: Just as in-person, pauses can highlight important ideas and make your virtual speech more powerful.
10. How do pauses impact the audience’s perception of my speech?
Well-placed pauses can positively impact how your audience perceives your speech by: Conveying confidence and authority: Controlled pauses suggest you are confident and thoughtful in your delivery. Enhancing engagement: Pauses create a rhythm that helps maintain audience attention. Improving comprehension: Giving the audience time to absorb information increases their understanding and retention of your message. Building anticipation: Pauses can create suspense, making the audience eager to hear what you’ll say next.
11. How do I balance pauses with the overall flow of my speech?
To balance pauses with your speech flow: Integrate them smoothly: Check that pauses don’t feel jarring or disrupt the natural flow of your speech. Match pauses to content: Align the length and placement of pauses with the importance and emotion of your content. Practice rhythm and pacing: Rehearse to find a rhythm that feels natural, using pauses to enhance rather than hinder your delivery.
If you have more questions or need further guidance on using pauses in speech, consider working with a public speaking coach. Learn more by calling Louise Angus or clicking on the button below.
a remarkable communications coach. His understanding of corporate communications is unmatched. I highly recommend!
Stephen Muchiri
“Highly recommended”
helped me prepare for a key note speech. This helped for that particular speech and for every other since. Highly recommend.
Azim Khan, MD, AIS Consulting
“Truly fantastic”
"Thank you for today's training session. It was truly fantastic. I feel much more confident in my ability to not only write speeches but also present them effectively."
JG, FCA
“Clear improvements”
"The results speak for themselves — participants consistently show clear improvement and feel empowered to take on their roles as effective speakers.
Even during long Zoom sessions, Paul manages to keep the energy high and the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. His collaborative and engaging approach makes the training not only productive but genuinely enjoyable."
Mayra Gasparini Martins, Wise
“Highly effective”
...excellent in terms of helping develop and sharpen stories and messaging around Businesses and why they are unique.
... a useful sounding board to help management teams and Boards develop clear messages as to why a Business is different and attractive as an investment opportunity. ... highly effective at working with members of management teams on how to communicate and deliver key messages to potential interested parties in different environments.
George Moss, Partner, ECI
“Moved our presentation into a different league”
Moved our presentation into a different league and undoubtedly improved the outcome and offer we received.
Liz Warner, CEO, Betty TV
“Paid for itself many times over”
Our investment in coaching has paid for itself many times over.
Ed Coulthard, CEO, Blast! Films
“An impressive team”
We enjoy working with Benjamin Ball Associates to support our clients with coaching. We trust them to take the messages that we develop and assist our clients in communicating powerfully.
BBA has an impressive team of journalists and ex bankers that we work with to prepare our clients for a broad spectrum of communications activities such as media engagement, investor pitch delivery, conference panel speaking and crisis situations.
Their coaching means our clients have been more effective when speaking to the press and to investors. We have no hesitation in recommending them.
Amber Fennell, Director, ICR
“Makes a real difference”
"Great coaching that makes a real difference for a capital markets day or results presentation."
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorised as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyse the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
