The term ‘pregnant pause’ is widely used to describe a period of silence that keeps the audience in suspense, with a feeling of anticipation. In this episode, Mark and Darren introduce the ‘poignant pause’ and expound on the differences between the two. Understand both, and using them well, will take you one step closer to becoming unforgettable. Snippets:

• The pregnant pause makes them think; the poignant pause makes them feel
• Pause after asking a question; give the audience time to respond mentally
• The ‘pause pedestal’ elevates the significance of powerful statements
• Isolate points of wisdom by pausing before and after saying them
• When pausing, don’t think in seconds; think in heartbeats
• Don’t fear ‘dead air’; the pause can have intellectual and emotional impact