Regardless of where you come from, there are ‘native-like’ ways of speaking. These are distinct from ‘foreign’ ways of speaking. You cannot speak English in the way you speak your native tongue. Similarly, when we’re doing public speaking, we moderate the way we speak so that people can understand what we’re saying. We slow down, we are mindful of our breathing and we speak out more consciously. The pauses between clauses – whether punctuated or not – are heightened for speed of delivery.
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The pauses between clauses – whether punctuated or not – are heightened for speed of delivery.
I hate to be critical, but this is not the best English sentence. Up until the word 'for' it scans well. In context it would mean, "When I am speaking to people who might have difficulty understanding me, I emphasize the pauses." This would mean I make them longer, and make the edges sharp... I try not to 'umm' or anything in a pause.
They might have meant, "especially when I am in a hurry..." ie I try to pay careful attention to these pauses when I am speaking very quickly, and they are most likely to be swallowed up.
heightened
- or the author was in too much of a hurry to find the correct word/phrase.