Grace is in the Space: Embrace the Pause
Is there something you are so passionate about that you have an abundance of great information to share? Do you love sharing and are deeply invested in other people learning as well? That is an amazing and remarkable gift.
If you are like me, when you do get the opportunity to share, you don’t want to waste a second of that precious time. So you go faster, and in depth. Your excitement sets the tone. Your synapses are firing and each statement you make triggers another piece you want to share. It is an amazing feeling. When this happens and you are in your zone of genius, people are hanging on your every word. So you continue to go faster and deeper because you know time and attention is limited.
I get it. I’ve been there — both as the person sharing and as the person listening.
However, contrary to what you may feel at the moment, it’s actually time to embrace the pause rather than go faster. It is time to put grace in the space.
When I use the word “pause” I’m talking about an elongated break between statements or blocks of content. Taking a pause may feel awkward or uncomfortable.
You can use the time to:
Check the body language of those listening to you. Are they still with you? Are they frantically trying to take notes? Does their body posture indicate that they have a question? Or that they need a break?
Ask, “How is this landing for you?”, “What are you thinking about as I share this?”, “Do you have any questions for me?”
Discern if they have absorbed as much as they can for this moment or if are they ready to move on.
Look at the energy of those listening and see if you are in alignment, or if you’ve moved to a place they aren’t ready for, comfortable with, or interested in going to.
Take a breath and ground yourself.
Taking a pause may conflict with the energy and excitement you are feeling, but here’s an exercise that will help you to reflect on how a pause creates more engagement, not less.
Reflect on a time when you’ve experienced what I described above. Maybe it was while you were talking or presenting, or maybe you were listening to someone else.
Now ask yourself this question:
“What are three ways that pausing would benefit those listening?”
1.
2.
3.
Here are my own answers to the question, and I’m eager to hear your answers.
Because everyone processes information differently, when I pause, people can either catch up to me or take a pause themselves.
Pausing gives people a chance to formulate their questions or curiosity. If I keep moving at the speed of my thoughts, people don’t want to miss the next thought and they can lose track of their questions. This creates holes in their learning.
Adults learn better when they are engaged in the content. When I pause and leave space for others to ask questions or interject comments, they actually learn more.
Sharing information and teaching others is a wonderful gift and an amazing space to be in. Whether you’re formally teaching, presenting, or having day-to-day conversations, remember that embracing the pause is key to being effective.
P.S. If you are someone who could benefit from more clarity and connection when communicating, let’s work together. Check out my Communication Coaching Program.