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Passage II (Q. 196–200)
At first sight, silence would seem to be the essence of non- communication. Yet we know that in some circumstances, silence can speak volumes. It is also a potent tool in the communication tool box, for the speaker, as it adds emphasis to point, allowing time for its full significance to sink in. Handled skilfully, it can build up anticipation for what is to come - the pregnant pause. It gives opportunity to make eye contact with the audience and gauge their reactions. It is an essential component of the timing of one’s delivery. For the listener, silence can buy time, either to digest what has been said or to consider a response or both. Silence will often lurethe speaker into saying more than he or she may haveintended.
At first sight, silence would seem to be the essence of non- communication. Yet we know that in some circumstances, silence can speak volumes. It is also a potent tool in the communication tool box, for the speaker, as it adds emphasis to point, allowing time for its full significance to sink in. Handled skilfully, it can build up anticipation for what is to come - the pregnant pause. It gives opportunity to make eye contact with the audience and gauge their reactions. It is an essential component of the timing of one’s delivery. For the listener, silence can buy time, either to digest what has been said or to consider a response or both. Silence will often lurethe speaker into saying more than he or she may haveintended.
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