Pauses

/ˈpɔːzɪz/ noun

Definition

Temporary stops or breaks in action, speech, or movement; moments of silence or hesitation.

Etymology

From Latin 'pausa,' derived from Greek 'pausis' meaning 'a stopping.' The root originally meant the cessation of action or emotion.

Kelly Says

Neuroscience shows that pauses in speech actually make you sound smarter and more persuasive, and comedians know this better than anyone—the pause is often more powerful than the punchline.

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