Future Proof Your Career: Power of the Pause

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In today’s busy world, we are constantly bombarded with noises - ringing phones and chattering colleagues. Under such circumstances, a pause may appear awkward and unnerving, and therefore forces your attention. Defined as a moment of silence, it’s an underutilized business tool which depending on how short or long has multiple applications:

?In business meetings, a pause allows you a moment to choose your reaction while factoring in your emotions/ ‘gut feel’, especially in stressful situations e.g. when handling an angry client or responding to a ‘bad’ email.

• Business leaders use a pause as a non-verbal signal to create impact when entering a room thereby using the time to soak in their surroundings.
• In meetings, business and political leaders pause frequently, showing that they are pondering over a point and not taking impulsive decisions.
• As a speaker, a pause between sentences and before/ after certain words creates a dramatic effect as it breaks the monotony. It allows you time to catch your breath and helps you gain control while allowing your audience time to assimilate your message. Ask a comedian and he’ll tell you how comic timing is all about The Pause!
• When selling, a well-timed pause offers your clients time to think about their purchase, instead of being pounded by your ‘sales pitch’.
• When offering a discount, a pause makes your client believe that you’ve deliberated over this concession.
• In cross-border negotiations, culture dictates the use of the pause. As Indians, we speak very fast and need to focus on taking a pause. While the Japanese use the pause effectively, Americans get uncomfortable with gaps in conversation. In many Asian cultures, it’s considered immature, even rude, to disregard the pause by responding immediately.
• When receiving a business card, a pause while reading its contents makes the other person feel important and provides you snippets for small talk.
• When introducing yourself or while leaving voicemail messages, a pause between your full name and other details makes it easier for people to comprehend your message and respond faster.

?Don’t get embarrassed by this moment of silence, instead use it to your advantage. Last but not the least; a pause makes people perceive you to be smarter! ??