"Brain Time"

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Tranquillity, calmness and composure.

From: Alan Badmington
Date: 19 Oct 2011
Time: 13:14:04 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.69.157

Comments

Hi Susan, Your paper resonated with me because when I intentionally introduced pauses into my speaking I found that it had a very calming effect. Almost immediately, it silenced the turmoil that, invariably, raged inside my head whenever I spoke in the more challenging situations (particularly when addressing a group). Pausing allowed me to resist time pressure, giving me permission to respond (or initiate conversation) only when I felt that I was ready. I found it so empowering. For the first time in my life, I was in control of the speaking situation – I did not feel pressurized to speak before I was adequately prepared. In effect, the pauses created a feeling of tranquillity, calmness and composure. This was in stark contrast to the confusion, turbulence, fluster and agitation to which I had become accustomed. I felt hugely relieved and at ease. The pauses also afforded me an opportunity to think about, structure and formulate the content of what I wanted to say. In the past, my thoughts had been so muddled and hurried, further fuelling/aggravating my dysfluencies. When I first began to pause deliberately, it felt strange. After all, I had spoken in a hurried, unceasing manner for so many years. The pauses seemed inordinately long – I was convinced that my listener(s) would consider it unusual (particularly those who had heard me speak in the past). I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wrong (incidentally, that was NOT a stutter). :-) No-one has ever commented adversely upon (or reacted unfavourably to) my new way of talking. To the contrary, the responses have always been so positive. I have also found that effective use of pauses can be a powerful tool when undertaking my many public speaking engagements. Thank you for sharing. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/19/11