Thursday, August 25, 2011

How Well Do You Use Pausing?

When planning and delivering your presentation don't forget the "pause".


It can create anticipation for what you are going to say as well as give our audience to think about what you have just said -- or give them a chance to respond to your question -- either mentally or orally.


In addition to using pauses before and after words or phrases in your material don't forget to use effective pausing after  punctuation such as commas, semi-colons; colons; and periods especially if you are reading previously written material by you or somebody else. Improper pausing here can destroy the intended meaning.


A good example of this is the part of the Bible where  Jesus said to the person on the stake beside him. Did he say, " I tell you today you will be with me in paradise!"  or did he say, " I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise!"


The meanings are worlds apart.


Silence can indeed "be golden" when you use it  properly in your speech or presentation. It can either clarify or muddy your meaning. 

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