The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.
— Mark Twain

… or as powerful, or as useful at keeping audience attention.

Do you remember a time in school when a child or maybe a pair of children were chatting when the teacher was talking. The teacher stopped, the class was silent, and the children kept chatting. Until suddenly one became aware of what was happening ….

Then you will know very well, the power of the pause!!