Speak Clear Blog

If you’ve coached with me, you know I’m a big believer in pausing.  Pausing allows the speaker to clarify their thoughts, allow residual anxiety to pass, and possibly avoid an epic Rick Perry-like gaff.  And, as the saying goes, “Silence has more eloquence than words”.

For the ESL executive speaker, pausing holds a secondary gain; it allows you to clarify your English.  If people have trouble understanding you, pausing at the end of each thought group can help your audience understand you better.

Practice saying these sentences, and pause after each thought group:

1) I’d like six oranges, and two wedges of cheese.

2) When you get there, call me, and I’ll come get you.

3)  ”Let’s go for a walk,” I said.  But she replied, “I’m busy”.

Can you find the thought groups?  Are you able to pause after each one?

Practice pausing in your next presentation, and watch your speech come to life!

Check out my small group accent reduction class!