There’s a moment before every great conversation, quiet, still, charged.

You sit. You smile. You wait.

Not for questions. Not for applause.

But for presence.

This is what I’ve come to value the most, not the spotlight, not the script, but the space we hold before the first word lands.

With so much focus on going wide, what if we went a little deeper?

The Moment Before the Story

This photo is from a quiet studio corner.

The lights were still warming up.

The crew was finding their rhythm.

A short pause before the dialogue began.

And in that pause, I felt something I’ve felt many times before: alignment.

It’s easy to think conversations begin with words.

But the best ones?

They begin with intention.

What I’ve Learned, One Seat at a Time?

· The chair isn’t just a seat, it’s a responsibility. To hold space. To stay open. To listen deeply.

· The smile isn’t just for the camera, it’s an invitation. For trust. For ease. For honesty.

· The silence isn’t empty, it’s the foundation. Of stories worth sharing. Of truths worth hearing.

Whether I’m hosting a podcast, moderating a panel, or talking to someone I just met the moments before the first word always matter.

What If Presence Is the Starting Point?

What if our best conversations aren’t waiting in big speeches or perfect questions…

but in the way we arrive, grounded, curious, and fully present?

Let’s make space for that.

Before the First Word

Next time you sit across from someone, on a stage, across a desk, or even at your dining table, pause.

Let the silence settle. Let the moment breathe.

You might be surprised by what comes through.

What has presence meant to you lately?

Have you felt it, in a conversation, a pause, a glance?

Let’s talk.

#BetweenUs #Storytelling #Leadership #Presence #santoshkumar#MakeEveryConversationCount