By Eleni Kelakos
My husband, Jim, has been sleeping with a fan on in the bedroom for decades. He finds the “white noise” of the rushing blades soothing; I generally find it annoying. But after discovering how much better Jim sleeps with the fan whirring, I have, over time, gradually and grudgingly gotten used to it.
I admit, however, that every morning when I switch off the fan, I make the same remark: “God, that thing is LOUD!” My ear, having gotten used to the low roar of the fan, finds the sudden silence both startling and sweet.
That’s the same reaction your audience experiences when, as a speaker, you give them the gift of silence in the form of a judicious pause within the context of your presentation. Your audience needs moments to take in the gems of brilliance you’re feeding them. They appreciate it when you simply shut up and let them cogitate on what you’ve just said.
I know what you’re thinking: “But it feels so NAKED to be silent with all those eyes staring at me!” It takes courage to be quiet, to leave space for reflection—for you, for your audience–whether you’re speaking to one person or one hundred. But, if you’re willing to muster up that courage, you’ll find that those moments of silence not only add drama, but help a point stick like nobody’s business.
Great actors, speakers and comedians consciously layer in pauses knowing they can make or break a point or a joke. They are rewarded by the appreciation of an audience that has been given the time they need to let a point land in their hearts and souls, where it can have the power to affect real change.
So, let your silence ring eloquently from time to time during your next presentation. You’ll be surprised at the deeper connection you’ll feel with your audience; and they, in turn, will appreciate having a moment of quiet in which to reflect, or simply catch up with you. Silence really is golden on the speaking platform, if you dare to embrace it.
Eleni Kelakos is President of The Eleni Group, www.theelenigroup.com.
