Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1094IR // #c1094Synthesis

"one of the most important means of developing power in public speaking is to pause either before or after, or both before and after, an important word or phrase."

— In our words · Source: The Art of Public Speaking (J. Berg Esenwein & Dale Carnegie)

[Use when]

Your key line goes by before anyone registers it.

[Why it matters]

The authors separate this from stumbling with "uh" and "er." A deliberate pause makes the audience wait and makes the phrase land. They say it is hard to grasp until you notice good speakers doing it.

Filed under situations:When you need a yes and they’re not there yet

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