The Power of Silence
At C2, it is not just about what you say, but how you say it.
Pacing (Speed) ⏱️
Rule: Change your speaking speed to match your message. Do not speak at one flat speed.
Strategic Pauses ⏸️
Sentence Stress 🎯
Rule: In English, stressing a different word in the EXACT same sentence changes the hidden meaning.
Fast speaking does NOT equal fluency!
Quick Check ⚡
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Video Lesson
Ask a Question 🙋♂️
Recent Questions
Hi Sovan! It's natural to speed up when nervous. You need to practice the "power pause". When you finish a sentence, force yourself to close your mouth and breathe for 1 second. Silence feels much longer to YOU than it does to the listener. 🧘♂️
Are there words we should NEVER emphasize?
Usually, we don't emphasize "grammar words" like 'a', 'the', 'of', 'and' UNLESS we are trying to clarify a specific point. For example, you wouldn't stress 'the', unless you are saying: "He isn't just A doctor, he is THE doctor." 💡
What's the difference between a pause and hesitation?
A pause is deliberate and powerful; you stop to let the listener think. Hesitation is when you are searching for words, usually filled with sounds like "um" or "uh". C2 speakers replace "um" with silence! 🤫
I always speak fast when I'm nervous, especially in IELTS speaking. How do I stop?