I have a friend I admire as a speaker. I marvel at her confidence in enthusiastically sharing her vast knowledge.

However, she confided that she feels her talks fall flat. She’s not getting the results and reaction she wants.

I provided my advice in the form of one word…

Breathe.

Her daily energy and passion are infectious. Add in the natural nervous energy of presenting, and her speech pattern accelerates even more. Sitting in the audience, I find it hard to keep up as she expresses her many ideas in quick succession.

One of the simplest and most powerful speech tools at your disposal is the pause. Taking a moment to breathe transforms the way your audience hears your message.

Why taking a breath matters:

1. Gives Your Words Weight: Short breaths or pauses allow your key points to sink in. It gives your audience time to process and reflect on what you've said.
2. Enhances Clarity and Improves Retention: Slowing down prevents your speech from becoming a blur of information. It reduces the chance of missing important details and helps your message stick.
3. Increases Engagement: A well-placed pause creates anticipation. It draws your audience in, making them more attentive and curious about what you'll say next.
4. Shows Confidence: Pausing demonstrates you're comfortable with the silence and confident in your message. It boosts your credibility.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Pauses

1. Breathe Before Speaking: Take a deep breath before you begin your speech and at key transitions. This calms your nerves and sets the stage (pun intended!) for a more measured delivery.
2. Use Visual Reminders: If you’re using notes or slides, mark places where you need to pause.
3. Practice: Practice taking a breath to pause. You will feel more comfortable doing it during the actual speech.
4. Observe Reactions: Pay attention to your audience. If they are nodding or leaning in, it’s a good sign that your pauses are effective. Adjust your pacing as needed based on their engagement.

By incorporating pauses into your speech, you're not just taking a breath. You're inviting in your audience with clarity, connection, and memorable moments. The next time you speak, remember to breathe.