It’s human nature to focus on ourselves: How do I look right now? Do people take me seriously? Is anyone laughing at me? Am I competent enough?

When you’re in that mindset, those inner voices need to be quieted. Shift your attention outward - to your audience. Be fully present, as if you were talking to a close friend. Feel their energy, connect with it, and stay calm.

Imagine yourself as a wise man in a temple - someone sent to convey knowledge, inform, or persuade for the greater good. Like a skilled preacher, focus not on yourself, but on what your audience can gain from your words.

Be a giver, not a taker.

People trust those who are on their side - those who see the world from a similar perspective and approach communication with understanding, calm, and wisdom. When you make an impression that resonates with someone, you gain access to their empathy and interest.

Whether in business or personal communication, the key is kindness. Smile genuinely, nod with focus, and listen with interest. People love to feel heard - and when they do, they naturally reciprocate with the same level of attention and engagement.

A strong opening sets the tone. A major concept, a bold promise, or a mind-blowing premise can all serve as powerful entry points. Start your speech with a statement that immediately grabs attention - something that makes your audience lean in. Your goal is to understand the main reason people want to hear from you.

Instead of saying:

“In this meeting, I will discuss three tips on how to increase your productivity.”

Say:

“After this presentation, you’ll know how to gain an extra hour every day - just by following three simple steps. Here’s how.”

Or instead of saying:

“This is what I’m going to teach you.”

Say:

“Here’s how your life can change in the blink of an eye.”

Here’s how you could apply each step (main point → reasoning → example) in a speech scenario where an employee presents to management the idea of expanding into a new market based on customer survey data:

Our recent customer survey revealed a strong demand for our products in the Caspian region, particularly in Azerbaijan. Based on this data, I believe expanding into Baku within the next year could open a new and promising market for our company.

Over 60% of respondents from Azerbaijan expressed clear interest in our core product line, and nearly half mentioned that comparable options are either limited or not easily accessible locally. Entering this market now would allow us to fill that gap before our competitors do.

For example, one respondent from Baku said she currently asks relatives traveling abroad to bring our products back for her because she values our quality and can’t find a local alternative that meets the same standards. Imagine how many similar customers we could reach if we established distribution channels in Baku.

Let’s examine an example showing an employee of an eco-friendly company presenting a concept of sustainable solutions while skillfully applying the four types of pauses.

Below, I indicate the types of pausing incorporated in the following example:

👉 Pause right before your key point

👉 Pause right after a rhetorical question

👉 Pause right after a tough question

👉 Pause right after making a bold statement

An Example:

When we talk about sustainability, it’s easy to think of it as a distant goal - something for the future. But the truth is, sustainability starts with the decisions we make today. (Pause right before your key point.)

What if every small choice we made at work - every delivery, every light switch, every product design - reduced waste and gave something back to the planet? (Pause right after a rhetorical question.) That’s exactly what our new initiative is designed to achieve.

Now, you might be asking: “How can we keep production efficient while making everything sustainable?” (Pause right after a tough question.) It’s a challenge, but one we’re ready for. Our proposal includes biodegradable packaging, smart logistics routes that cut emissions by 30%, and partnerships with local suppliers who share our environmental standards.

And here’s the bold part - (Pause right before your key point.) If we adopt this plan company-wide, we could become the first zero-waste operation in our industry within three years. (Pause right after a bold statement.)

Can you imagine what that would say about who we are - not just as a company, but as people? (Pause right after a rhetorical question.) It says we’re serious about change. It says we care about impact, not image.

As you’ve noticed, a well-timed pause can evoke several crucial reactions in the audience:

Before the key point, it builds anticipation (“sustainability starts with the decisions we make today”).

After rhetorical questions, it allows the audience to reflect and connect emotionally.

After tough questions, it projects confidence and control, showing you’re unafraid of challenges.

After bold statements, it gives your message weight, letting it sink in before you continue

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