Gimme a Break: Schedule Pauses to Improve Your Next Presentation
by Christine Clapp
I recently coached an association executive who delivered a 15-minute stage speech to open their organization’s annual conference and set the tone for the marquee event. The speaker did a fantastic job conveying enthusiasm and setting an energetic tone for the conference despite having a hoarse voice.
One element of the speech that greatly helped to maintain the speaker’s vocal quality and energy level throughout was having a short break halfway through the presentation when they shared a new, short, and relevant animation the organization had recently released. This gave the speaker one minute to clear their throat, drink water, and rest their voice so they could maintain a strong vocal presence to the end of the speech.
This type of mini break for a speaker can prevent a Marco-Rubio-desperate-water-lunge moment and can keep listeners engaged by breaking up the format of a speech. Here are some ways that you can incorporate such breaks into your next presentation.
Show a short video or animation.
Play a clip of audio or music.
Project a block quotation or cartoon and give listeners time to read it.
Share a detailed chart or graph via a handout or report and give listeners time to review it.
Invite listeners to take down a key point in their notes, respond to a prompt on a handout, post about the event on social media, or e-mail themselves an action item.
Pose a rhetorical question and pause for listeners to think about it.
Pose an actual question that listeners can respond to with a raise of hands, reaction button, or chat box.
Launch a poll question and wait to share results.
Ask listeners to share a reflection in the chat box or with a person seated nearby.
Take a question or two from the audience.
Provide a case study for listeners to analyze and discuss in small groups or breakout rooms.
Ideally, plan a break every five to ten minutes (shorter intervals are best for shorter presentations). It’s always better to have a break than to need a break. Some types of breaks can even be integrated on the fly when you get a surprise tickle in your throat.
If you have an urgent need to cough or drink water and don’t have time to incorporate one of these pausing strategies, do not panic! Your listeners know you are human and won’t hold it against you. Don’t move frantically or rush the break you need, which was Senator Rubio’s mistake. If you feel compelled, say, “Excuse me.” But don’t apologize. Pausing during a speech does not require an “I’m sorry.”
While you take a break, do your best to cough, clear your throat, or drink off microphone. These sounds can be especially grating when amplified. If you cannot turn the microphone off quickly, hold a handheld microphone at your side or behind your back, or lightly cup one hand over a lapel microphone (trying to avoid touching it) to reduce sound that it can pick up.
Planning and taking breaks during presentations will enhance the experience for you and for audience members. The same strategies that will give you the time you need to maintain vocal health and stay energized during your speech will also re-engage your listeners.
If you or those at your organization or law firm need support structuring their presentations to engage their audience, protect their vocal quality, and earn rave reviews, check out our training programs and coaching engagement options.