When to Pause (Part 1)
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” – James 1:19–20 NLT
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to respond before we fully process what someone is saying? We often jump in with our own thoughts or defenses without genuinely listening to understand. If what’s being shared is critical, frustrating, or even negative, the conversation can quickly spiral into anger or heated emotions.
I recently attended the Chick-fil-A conference in San Diego and had the privilege of hearing communication expert Jefferson Fisher speak on this topic. He offered a valuable piece of advice: “Take a pause before responding. Let your first word be your breath.” That short pause gives your logical brain time to engage, helping you keep a level head and avoid an overly emotional response. If you’re anything like me, you may need three breaths before you reply!
The Power of a Pause
Pausing may feel counterintuitive, especially when you’re tempted to defend yourself or correct someone immediately. But taking that extra moment can make all the difference between a constructive conversation and one that leaves both parties feeling hurt or misunderstood. Our words hold incredible power, and how we choose them matters.
Coming Up Next…
This is just the beginning. In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into practical ways to apply the “pause principle” in everyday life—at work, home, and everywhere in between. We’ll also explore how this practice, when consistently applied, can help us reflect God’s righteousness in challenging situations, transforming our interactions and relationships for the better.
Looking to Strengthen Your Leadership Skills?
Building a strong character foundation is essential for effective leadership. If you want to develop better communication strategies and grow as a leader, understanding and applying the ‘pause principle’ is crucial. Check out Proven Results Mentors. They can help you create a solid framework for leadership that honors God and impacts people in positive, lasting ways.
Stay tuned for Part 2! Until then, practice taking that breath—maybe three—before responding, and see how it transforms your interactions.