Power of Conversational Pause
Pause
If you find it hard to pause when making conversation, people can sometimes perceive it as you feeling lower-status. Too often, people rush to give an answer to a question or add comments into a conversation in fear that the other person may lose interest. It’s a silly fear and if people notice that you’re scared of that, they will instinctively assume that you are trying to impress them.
When it comes to building rapport that is NOT a good thing. Every now and then, you should pause:
· Before answering a question.
· While you are answering a question.
· While you are making comments.
· When you are telling stories.
Pausing:
1. Creates anticipation for your words.
2. Displays good status.
3. Demonstrates composure of mind.
4. Attracts people.
5. Makes your conversation sound so much more interesting.
Try it and you will see how powerful pausing really is. It can be the little difference in whether you get a patient or not.
Perry Nickelston, DC