Silence in speech

Yes. Silence is sometimes truly golden.

Powerful communicators know how to use powerful silences between key words or phrases. Such silence reduces the use of senseless filler words ("like," "um," "you know," etc.) and draws your audience into a deeper concentration on what you're saying.

A short pause before a word makes your audience anticipate the thought that is to come, and used after a word, gives them time to contemplate what they've just heard.

Taking creative silences between key words and phrases shows your audience that you're taking the time to concentrate on what's being said and will, in turn, also make them more receptive to what you have to say.

Be careful not to overdo the pause. Pausing should seem thoughtful, not manipulative.