The Power of Pause: Enhancing Communication Through Silence

Adjustments, pauses, breaks, or rests increase anticipation for what may come next. Once attention is gained and others are held in rapt attention, it is neither necessary nor desired to deliver or continue at the same speed or rhythm to maintain momentum. At times, the pause or break only draws more interest. What's next? Keep them guessing.

Not only does a pause or break in sequence give the audience—listeners or watchers—a chance to anticipate, but it also gives you, the deliverer, a chance to change instruments or make necessary adjustments. It allows you to go within and feel what is needed to deliver with clarity and assurance what you will convey. Like a musician delivering not only notes but also emotions—whether they are feelings the musician conveys themselves or those felt by the original composer—the break allows the message to be delivered with the most energetic truth or resonance that is pure to the intent.

Words, notes, and all forms of communication serve to convey a message, an expression of energy that assists the receiver in taking action or provides entertainment. The pause, break, or silence can be the most important part of that message. Deliver minimal words, notes, or utterances, then let them land. You will receive back the energy that was intentionally sent to keep the flow going or the music playing.

Try it in your own life: deliver your messages with silence and energy—whether it be love or disappointment—whatever would typically be conveyed with words, but use less. See if your message is received with more purity and with the intention you intended. It also allows you to understand how you truly feel about the topic. Try it. Clarity and resonance will be the result, no matter the message you wish to convey.