Hi there! Today, in Public Speaking context, we won’t discuss speaking; rather today we shall discuss the role of pause while on you’re on Public Speaking Mode.
Alan Alda, who is an American actor, director, screenwriter and an author too, says, “It is the stuff between the lines that makes it a great performance.”
Any communication is not successful only through by your words, but also through your pauses. A pause is not a moment of silence only, it is moment that you give to your audience stay engaged and enables them to follow what you just said and what will come next. When used appropriately, it’ll help you build intellectual and emotional connection with your audience.
Normally audience need time to process the information being bombarded at them. Also to enjoy the punches you crack.

Let’s discuss some of the frequently used Pauses:
Sense Pause
The sense pause is roughly given to our audience as they need time to process the information. This pause is very frequent, because, in writing if someone do not understand something, it can easily be re-read. But while listening, pause gives them time to recall your words. So it is always recommended to communicate your information in small packets of words.
It is usually for half of a second to one second.
Pause for Effect
This pause is the magic creator of the speech. It usually lasts for one to two seconds. It creates the feeling that something is going to happen. When you pause here, you actually play with your audience’s mind.
Transition Pause
The transition pause is taken where you need to go from one kind of thought or one story to another one. It revives the interest of the audience if they might have lost in their thoughts. Also it gives them a notification that something new would come next.
Spontaneity Pause
It is one of the smartest pauses taken by the speaker. This one is different because it conveys that you are thinking as well what you are speaking, and not simply reciting something you have said many times already. In addition, creates the feeling of spontaneity. Even when the reality may be otherwise.

Rhetorical Question Pause
Whenever you ask your audience a rhetorical question, and you give them no time to your audience to think and process the question, they get frustrated a lot.
So you should always pause for some time, this encourages your audience to engage, to think for the answer.
For example, if you ask like, “How would you feel if …. ” …. such question needs participation, though silently. So taking a pause will allow them to think for a reply for you, no matter you ask for it or not.