The Sound of Silence
One of the Most Powerful Elements of Rhetoric is Silence

Be Prepared for Your Important Conversations

Overview

The Sound of Silence

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.

Ernest Hemingway

The Sound of Silence

Rhetoric is about speaking and words!
And making a pause sounds just the opposite like the absence of speaking and words!
But one of the most powerful techniques that can be used in conversation as well as in public speaking is the use of silence by introducing a pause.
If you have a very important point that you want to get across to your audience, pause for an instance before stating your message and then, even more importantly, allow a moment of silence immediately afterwards.
The silence before generates a feeling of expectation.
The silence afterwards allows time for your message to be assimilated and thought about.
Unfortunately, many speakers unintentionally alleviate their impact.
What may be an outstanding quotation or a strong message is not delivered efficiently if sufficient pauses and silence is not utilized properly.
The audience needs that thinking time to take in the meaning of what has just been said, in order to understand!
Sometimes I get the response that it is too difficult to deal with all those different rhetoric elements – speed, intonation, digital marks, gestures, mimic etc. - all at once.
Yes you're right; there are a lot of important factors related with a good presentation. Do it step by step: Rome wasn't built on a day.
Let me assure you that timing does come with practice, don’t worry too much about it.
You will get used to it with practice.
It is much more important to be enthusiastic and to be positive.
Just give it a go!

Here are a few arguments for a pause and its advantages:

A pause enables you to gather your thoughts before delivering the key message.
A pause prepares the mind of the audience to receive your message.
A pause creates effective attentiveness.
A pause after a key message gives it time to sink in.

Get professional support to learn how to allow and enjoy time for pauses, practice some varieties of pausing and get used to this effective tool that will make your speech more dynamic.

Keywords

Consulting, coaching, management, speaker, speak, interview, presentation, voice, break, silence, pause, meeting, break, suggestions, dynamic, leadership, sales, personal development, dramatic, business, private life, success

Copyright

© 1998 - 2012 Karsten Noack: Consulting, Coaching & Training Berlin
How to present yourself and your offer successfully
Updated 05/10/12

The Sound of Silence One of the Most Powerful Elements of Rhetoric is Silence

Overview

Keywords

The Sound of Silence
One of the Most Powerful Elements of Rhetoric is Silence