Why You Are Afraid Of The ‘Awkward’ Silence [Episode 235]

Do you ramble when you speak? Do you feel pressure to ‘fill the silence’? Do you get awkward during a ‘pause’ in conversation?

It’s very common to be afraid of the ‘awkward silence’ – I hear it all the time from clients and workshop participants!

But instead of being something to avoid, silence is actually a very powerful communication tool; and one I use regularly when speaking and coaching.

Here are a few reasons why I love silence:

1. It allows what you’ve said to sink in. When you go on and on with no pause, your message can get lost. When you PAUSE after an important point, it gives the audience space to absorb your point. And this is where your message will make a real impact.

2. Silence breaks the monotony. “There are times when silence is the best way to yell at the top of your voice.”  – Orlando Aloysius Battista

When you talk without a break, your voice can become a ‘background drone’, which can make it easy for your audience to tune out. By stopping abruptly, your audience will shocked out of their daydream (if you ever want people in your audience to stop talking, just go silent and stare at them. They will notice very quickly)

3. Silence gives YOU time to think. The more you slow down and pause between your sentences, the more time you have to think about your next point. Which will make you more articulate and appear more prepared.

Listen to the podcast to learn practical strategies for bringing more impactful silence into your day to day communication!