What should you do if You have the word (beat) in a monologue?

Question:The line is as follows:

Can't the two of you work things out? I mean how bad could it possibly be? (beat)(turning to her mother) It's you right? It's your fault, it always is.

What action should you perform when it says beat in the parenthesis? Thanks.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The line is as follows:

Can't the two of you work things out? I mean how bad could it possibly be? (beat)(turning to her mother) It's you right? It's your fault, it always is.

What action should you perform when it says beat in the parenthesis? Thanks.

It does refer to a pause, but it's more than that. Usually, there's a change of pace or goal or motivation that comes from that beat. Don't just pause, make it a necessary stop, find your goal and continue.
In your given monologue, it seems that the person realizes a truth during the "beat", so your goal might change from "let's smooth things out" to perhaps some level of anger/resentment with a goal like "I want to hurt you(mother)"
Make strong choices on these goals. Idon't know enough about it to guide you any further but don't necessarily go for obvious.
Also "beat" does not warrant any physical action.
Good luck!

Beat refrers to a pause.

It means to take a short pause. Maybe take a breath and look thoughtful, just don't speak at turbo speed or actually say the word "beat." Good luck!