dramatic timing
Pause for effect
Dramatic timing is the skill of delivering words or actions at precisely the right moment for maximum effect.
In comedy, it determines whether a punchline lands or falls flat.
In drama, it governs revelations and emotional beats.
His dramatic timing was impeccable—he waited just long enough before delivering the news.
The phrase applies beyond performance to any well-timed gesture or announcement.
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- dramatic pauseIntentional silence for emphasis
- deliveryConveyance of goods
- comic timingHumor's rhythmic precision
- punchlineHumor's final delivery
beat · beat drop · suspense · hush · held breath · pacing · buildup · silence · misdirection · deadpan · delayed reaction · pregnant pause · wait for it · anticipation · cadence · slow burn · breath · foreshadowing
performance skill
dramatic timingpoor timing
Unfortunate scheduling of events
bad timing · mistiming · tin ear · off-beat · amateur hour