The Unexpected Power of Saying Less

I was struck by something unexpected last week.

Two professionals stood up to speak at an event—different styles, different roles.

But they both did the same remarkable thing.

They paused. Deliberately. Often.

Not because they lost their place or forgot their lines.

These were purposeful silences—almost uncomfortably still.

And yet… everyone listened.
You could feel the room lean in.

I loved that this was no accident. This was craft.

As journalists, they’ve undoubtedly been taught how to shape a story. But more than that - they've learned how to hold attention in a world where most people are too quick to fill every silence with words.

And it worked. Not with volume or theatrics, but with presence.

Why silence matters more than we realise

In leadership - especially in fast-paced, high-stakes environments - we tend to ‘overvalue’ speed, visibility, and certainty. Many professionals I coach feel the pressure to “say something smart” or “jump in first” during meetings.

But when we do that, we risk diluting our message and losing the room’s attention.

The truth is, intentional silence is one of the most underrated communication tools in leadership.

It creates space.
It signals confidence.
It invites attention.

When someone pauses, they demonstrate control - not just of the conversation, but of themselves.

That’s rare. And people notice.

What great communicators actually do

Over the years, I’ve watched seasoned leaders, speakers, and coaches do a few non-obvious things that make people tune in and actually listen. And none of them involve a booming voice or thumping tables.

Here are a few unexpected habits that build trust, interest, and gravitas:

🔹 They pause more than they speak

Not filler words. Not ums and ahs. Real, deliberate pauses that let ideas land and create anticipation.

🔹 They slow the pace

Speaking slower doesn’t make you less intelligent—it makes you easier to follow. It shows you’re thinking.

🔹 They reflect back what they’re hearing

Instead of jumping in, they paraphrase, clarify, and ask: “So what I’m hearing is…” That builds psychological safety.

🔹 They use silence to hold space

They’re not afraid of the moment after a tough question or a big statement. They let it breathe. That’s where the weight of leadership often sits.

🔹 They don’t rush to respond

When challenged, they pause before replying. That silence signals they are considering, not reacting.

A personal reflection

In coaching, I’ve worked with many leaders who assume they need to command a room. Especially those who identify as introverts often worry they don’t have “executive presence.”

But here’s what I tell them:
Presence isn’t volume. It’s intention.

Some of the most quietly influential people I know don’t dominate—they anchor.
They choose their moments.
They use silence like punctuation.
And when they speak, people listen.

Want to try it?

Next time you’re in a meeting, try this low-risk experiment:

1. Before speaking, pause for two seconds.
   Just long enough to centre your thought and signal that what you’re about to say matters.

2. Let your key message land—then stop talking.
   Don’t rush to fill the silence. Let the moment do the work.

You may be surprised by how much power you gain by doing… less.

Final thought

It’s ironic, isn’t it?

To be heard more, we often need to say less.

But that’s the paradox of presence.
It’s not about being louder.
It’s about being more deliberate—with your words, your actions, and your energy.

And the good news?
It’s a leadership skill. One that can be learned, practiced, and mastered.

If this idea resonates with you—or if you’re coaching or developing someone on your team who’s ready to build presence in a more authentic way—I’d love to help.

Here's to leading with intention and gravitas.