Why Project Managers Need a ‘Rightly Timed Pause’ for Effective Communication
Mark Twain once said, “No word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” And honestly, he was onto something.
It’s tempting to power through your material when you’re presenting, especially on technical or complex topics. After all, you’ve got a lot to cover! But here’s the truth: if you don’t pause, your audience won’t have time to absorb what you’re saying. A well-placed pause gives them a moment to process, reflect, and — most importantly — stay engaged.
When and How to Pause
A pause is most effective when placed before or after a key point. Think of it like punctuation in a sentence. Without commas and periods, everything runs together.
A pause acts like a verbal punctuation mark, making your message clearer and more impactful.
One simple way to build in pauses? Use a blank slide or an intermediate Q&A slide. These visual cues remind both you and your audience to take a breath. And if you’re speaking without slides, try using intentional silence as a tool.
The Magic of Silence
Twain wasn’t just talking about pauses as breaks — he saw them as a performance tool. “I used to play with the pause as other children play with a toy,” he said. A pause can create anticipation, emphasize a point, or let something profound sink in. And just like any good performer, you need to adjust the timing to fit your audience.
So next time you’re presenting, remember: a well-timed pause isn’t a break in your speech — it’s part of your message. Use it wisely, and your audience will thank you.
JD Solomon resides in the Carolinas, where he fishes, sails, and spends too much time on the beach. Professionally, JD Solomon is the founder of JD Solomon, Inc., the creator of the FINESSE fishbone diagram®, and the co-creator of the SOAP criticality method©.
