When speaking, a pause is like a comma or period when you are writing. A pause is used to break up ideas, help emphasize an important point and acknowledge your audience's responses.

As you are practicing your prepared speech, consider pausing for a count of 2 when you encounter a comma and a count of up to 4 for a period.

If you are having difficulties pausing, because silence can be uncomfortable, then you will want to practice pausing even longer. When you exaggerate your pause during rehearsal, you will become more comfortable with the silence and your pause will be the appropriate time during your real speech or presentation.

Right before making an important point pause.

This grabs your audiences attention and lets them know they need to pay attention.