How a subtle, but profound technique can steer a meeting in a whole new direction … 

Read more thoughts on the art of communicating week-daily at https://michaelgerharz.com/blog

Mentioned in this episode:

My new book is out now

You’ve got a bold vision and a strategy to achieve it! But why does your company seem to be standing still? Why is the gap between what strategy promises and what it delivers so vast and disheartening? And what to do about it? Find out in my new book “The PATH to Strategic Impact”: https://geni.us/the-path

New book

Welcome to the “Irresistible

Communication” podcast.

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Two minutes, twice a week.

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No nonsense advice for

leadership communication.

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Think of the last time you were in

a high stakes negotiation or debate.

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Recall that heated moment

when suddenly someone paued,

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intentionally, before responding.

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That pause filled with contemplation

can turn the whole conversation around.

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It forces everyone to

listen more intently.

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In it's hush, priorities get

realigned, arguments get refined.

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It's interesting, isn't it?

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In our fast paced business

world, where immediacy is

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often equated with competence.

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The value of pausing, of truly reflecting

before speaking can be overlooked.

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I sat in countless board rooms and I've

observed that leaders who master this

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subtle art of pausing tend to steer

conversations with a quiet authority.

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It's not about withholding

opinions or playing games.

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It's about giving oneself that

brief moment to process, to ensure

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that the words that follow are

both, deliberate and valuable.

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Incorporating this simple yet

profound habit in our communication

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can create a ripple effect.

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It encourages others to do the same.

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Imagine a boardroom where every

contribution is thoughtful.

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Where the space between words is

filled with reflection, not tension.

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Such environments foster deeper

understanding and, ultimately,

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more meaningful outcomes.

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Now, I'm not suggesting that every

sentence be followed by a lengthy silence.

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It's about recognizing those

pivotal moments, those crossroads

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in a conversation where a pause

can light the path forward.

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So, the next time your amidst

a crucial dialogue, whether in

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the board room or beyond, give

yourself the grace of that pass.

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Let it amplify your intent,

refine your words and lead you

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toward more genuine connections.

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Keep lighting the path and

share it with a friend!