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The
way we use our voice adds so much meaning to what we
say. We can all remember the exercise that we did in
school where you take one sentence and by changing
the word to emphasise you change the entire meaning
of it.
Pausing
for Effect
And
the most effective use of our voice can be when we
don’t use it at all – the pause. Whether it is
in an interview situation or a presentation to a
group, pausing can enhance our presentation by –
- Giving
the listener(s) time to absorb the important
points that you are trying to make.
- Giving
your listener(s) the space to ask a question.
Sometimes if we are going at full pace,
rattling off point after point, our listeners
feel they’re interrupting if they ask a
question.
The
main thing we all want from clients – or potential
clients – is questions. Questions that let us know
what is important to our client – and are our best
guide as to what they really have in mind.
The
trouble is, sometimes nerves or the desire to
impress can cause us to speak faster than normally
– with less pauses. If this is a danger, try to
remember the golden rule of pauses: The
more important the point, the longer the pause to
follow.
Because,
sometimes, the best thing to say is…nothing at
all. |
