A (beat) is not “dead air.”
It’s a deliberate action moment.
Here’s what a judge expects to see and feel when you hit a (beat).
What a (beat) Means in Performance
A beat is:
- ~½ second (sometimes up to 1 second)
- A moment where nothing new is added
- The audience catches up emotionally
Think of it as letting the sentence finish landing.
🎤 What to DO During a Beat
When you know and see (beat):
1️⃣ Stop speaking
No filler. No “um.” No breathing noise if you can help it.
2️⃣ Stay physically still
- Feet planted
- Hands relaxed
- No gestures
- No shifting weight
Stillness = confidence.
3️⃣ Hold eye contact
- Pick one friendly face
- Don’t scan the room
- Let them feel included
Why Judges Love Beats
Judges interpret a clean beat as:
- Emotional control
- Confidence in material
- Trust in the audience
- Advanced delivery skill
Many speakers rush because silence feels uncomfortable.
Judges reward speakers who own it.
🎯 Beat vs Pause (Important Difference)
| Marker | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (pause) 2-4 seconds | Slight breath, reflective |
| (beat) ~½ – 1 second | Emotional landing |
| (longer pause) 6-8 seconds | Heightened tension or suspense |
Example From My Speech
I was humiliated.
(beat)
I was ashamed…
What happens in the beat:
- Audience processes “humiliated.”
- They anticipate what comes next
- Emotional gravity increases
If you rush this, the moment flattens.
🚫 What NOT to Do During a Beat
- Smile
- Look down
- Shift stance
- Gesture
- Fill with sound
Stillness is the message.
🏁 Final Tip
When rehearsing:
- Count “one Mississippi” silently for a beat
- Count “one–two Mississippi” for a longer pause
On stage:
- Don’t count
- Feel it
If you ever feel the silence is “too long” —
It’s usually just right.
