Angie Howard, an executive with the Nuclear Energy Institute, seems to have understood that when interviewed by Fox News Channel’s Neil Cavuto about building more nuclear power plants in America. He asked about the people who say "Not in my backyard," and she responded crisply and concisely. In fact, the question was longer than the answer. But she stopped when she was done. It was Neil’s job to keep the air filled.
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A few years ago, Harvey spoke to a business group in Bakersfield, California. His topic: why is news always so negative? Harvey had the unique ability to identify with his audience while also giving a reasonable explanation in answering that question, and in a purely entertaining way
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The Media Trainers® Re–winder Reminder:

• The pregnant pause is a tactic employed by some reporters in the hopes you’ll “spill the beans” by saying more than you intended. Or, your interviewer might just be pausing to think of another question.
• Either way, don’t get suckered. Give your response and stop. It may feel uncomfortable—in fact, it definitely will be uncomfortable—but your job is to deliver messages responsively. Period. Not to lead the interview.
• Remember, the pregnant pause will not appear in the story that results from the interview either as empty white space or dead air.
• The pregnant pause has great dramatic effect when used strategically in presentations and/or speeches.

The Media Trainers®, LLC, has a Tough Questions eBook on our Web site that you can download free for easy reference.