The Power of the Pause
When you don't know what to do, what should you do? Pause and smile.
Imagine that you are speaking to a crowded room of eager listeners.
Suddenly your mind goes blank - you forget what you just said,
and what comes next. If you speak in public this will happen
to you. You've seen it happen to others, they stammer and sputter
and even apologize. What should you do? "Remain calm, look
at your audience, pause and smile." recommends Peter Urs
Bender, Canada's Presentation Guru and author of the Canadian
best Seller, Secrets of Power Presentations. "If you panic
you will lose your thoughts. When you smile, you look confident
and your brain will get back on track."
"When negotiating with your suppliers or customers the
strongest thing you can say is - nothing." coaches Nellie
Vieira of Negotiation Resource International, (NRI). "It
is so unnerving to the other party that they concede - just to
get you talking." The North Vietnamese used this tactic
in the Paris peace negotiations. The North Vietnamese kept nodding
and smiling. The frustrated Americans gave away the farm.
Life is hectic. "If you can not rest you can not endure",
counsels Eli Bay, founder of the Relaxation Response Institute. "It
is important to break out of the activity cycle of work and listen
to your body. Smiling, even a weak smile, releases endorphins
that make you feel better."Charles de Gaulle stated, "Silence
is the ultimate weapon of power".
Remember that when you need to be powerful. (pause).
(C) George Torok delivers keynote speeches, training and
consultation on Presentation Skills, Creative Problem Solving
and Personal Marketing. He hosts the weekly radio show Business
in Motion. To help develop your people you can call George
at 800-304-1861. For more information visit www.Torok.com.
and http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/
