The Powerful Pause: A Moment That Speaks Volumes in Executive Communication

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On 11 March 2025, I had the pleasure of leading a live online session with European Women on Boards (EWOB) titled The Powerful Pause – Executive Communication & Networking for Women in Leadership. https://community.europeanwomenonboards.eu/c/join-exclusive-events/the-powerful-pause-executive-communication-networking-for-women-in-leadership

This wasn’t your typical webinar. It was a high-energy, interactive experience that combined executive communication training, one key practical vocal technique and speed networking—all designed to sharpen presentation skills and foster meaningful professional connections.

Why Focus on the Pause?

As I shared in my LinkedIn post ahead of the event: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7300153970335858688/

“Let’s rise to the top—and open doors for others.
This session is for professionals who are ready to grow, connect and prepare for future leadership roles.”

So many highly capable professionals come to me with the same issue:

“I know my stuff… but I struggle to make an impact when I speak.”

This event zoomed in on one deceptively simple tool that can dramatically shift how you're perceived: the pause.

The First Building Block in Leadership Communication

In my coaching, the pause is often the first tool I introduce. Why?

Because it works—fast. During the session (and in this video) we explored:

🗣️ Why pausing matters
In high-stakes meetings or boardroom presentations, your audience is often hearing complex content for the first time. A well-timed pause gives them time to process, reflect, and retain what you’re saying.

🗣️ How it affects your presence
It adds weight and authority. In executive communication, silence isn’t empty—it signals confidence and control. It helps you own the room with less effort.

🗣️ How it helps your message land
Pausing gives you time to think, collect your thoughts, and reduce filler words like um, er, or you know. It sharpens your clarity and simplifies your delivery.

This is the kind of subtle skill that can elevate your presentation skills from good to great.

What Participants Took Away

Attendees—senior female professionals from across Europe—jumped straight into networking rooms where they tested out the technique in real time.

Here’s what they told me afterwards:

  • “Don’t be scared to PAUSE.”

  • “Pause = Power.”

  • “More intentional pauses let your ideas land.”

  • “Pausing actually makes you look more in control.”

  • “I’ll slow down and use fewer fillers.”

And their one-word reflections?

✨ Empowering
✨ Insightful
✨ Profound
✨ Uplifting
✨ Inspirational

Why It Matters

Whether you’re presenting to a board, briefing your team, or pitching an idea, leadership communication requires more than just saying the right words. It’s about how you deliver them.

Pausing is one of the most effective tools to enhance clarity, create space, and amplify your message—especially in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.

If your team could benefit from practical, high-impact executive communication training or a tailored presentation skills workshop, let’s talk. I work with individuals, leadership teams and international organisations to help professionals communicate with clarity, authority and impact.

Because sometimes, the most powerful tool in communication… is silence.