The Pause

In my public speaking coaching sessions I speak with clients often about the 'pause' and how taking a moment between thoughts allows you to breathe and mentally organize what you are going to say next, rather than fill the space with um, ah, like, or you know.

The pause is incredibly helpful to you, the speaker. But a quick reminder, it's also extremely important for your audience. Without it, the audience doesn't have time to digest what you said--before you continue to your next thought.

Remember: YOU know what you're going to say (particularly if you've prepared well for the opportunity and memorized your talking points) but this is the FIRST time that the interviewee or journalist is hearing your message.

So give them the benefit of time... and a pause... to truly understand it.