Building tension or anticipation: Pauses can create suspense and draw the audience's attention, making them anticipate what will happen next.
Emphasizing emotions: Pauses can heighten the impact of emotional moments, giving characters time to express or process their feelings without words.
Creating a reflective atmosphere: Pauses can provide opportunities for characters or the audience to reflect on the events unfolding or the themes being explored.
Facilitating character development: Pauses can allow actors to convey unspoken thoughts or emotions, adding depth and complexity to their characters.
Shifting the focus: Pauses can be used to transition between different scenes, characters, or ideas, or to change the direction of the narrative.
As a directorial choice, pauses can contribute significantly to the overall pacing, mood, and impact of a dramatic performance.