Silence. The absence of noise

It’s interesting how many presenters fear the idea of being silent, even for just a second. But why? Those short silent pauses are like magic—equally crucial in presenting as commas are in writing. Without them, things can get a bit awkward (just look at the picture). When you are presenting, pauses can be your secret weapon. Use them when you share something crucial, giving your audience a moment to truly appreciate what you just said. Let them soak it in. Or when you crack a joke, let them savor the laughter.

They’re also handy when you need to refocus and take a deep breath or two. Think of pauses as the storyteller’s best friend, creating clarity as you transition from one chapter to another. And here’s the beauty—they’re the perfect antidote to all those annoying “uhms” and filler words. A brief silent pause trumps a long, drawn-out “uhm” any day.

Oh, and let’s not forget the suspense-building power of pauses. “And the winner is…”—you can practically feel the anticipation.
Now, how long should a pause be? Some say up to seven seconds. Don’t worry, though; when you’re speaking, time works differently, and those silent breaks feel longer than they actually are.

Next time you prepare a talk, record yourself. Identify where those short pauses can work their magic and elevate your impact. Mix it up, sprinkle pauses in different parts, and observe the effect.
Embrace the silence!