Pause vs Silence
It is well-known that silence and pause between words have a significant impact on the quality of speeches delivered by orators and public speakers. Moreover, the use of pause and silence also greatly influences the effect of dialogue delivery by actors on stage and in movies. Although some may believe that pause and silence are synonymous, there is indeed a difference between the two. Mastering the art of utilizing pauses within sentences, breaking them up and creating a lasting impression on the audience is a skill that many accomplished actors have perfected over time. This article aims to distinguish between pause and silence to help those interested in optimizing these strategies.
You may have experienced the impact of silence in everyday life as well. When someone is angry and expresses their displeasure through silence, the atmosphere can become almost unbearable, as silence is cold and hard. Do not confuse silence with quietness, which is full of warmth and peace. While quietness can be enjoyable, silence might feel awkward and create a desire for it to be filled. Speakers often use pauses, or moments of quiet, as a tool for audiences to reflect on their words and analyze their last few sentences. Silence, on the other hand, can sometimes be unnerving, and speakers use this to create a sense of unease among the audience. This is especially true when discussing a topic intended to evoke strong emotions and encourage the audience to carefully consider the speaker’s words.
Key Takeaways
- Pause and silence have dramatic effects on the speaking styles of orators and actors.
- Actors deliberately use pauses to encourage audiences to listen more attentively.
- While silence can be eerie, it provides speakers with a tool to prompt audiences to think and reflect on challenging and uncomfortable truths.
