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If you are...
- Currently speaking in public,
- Thinking of speaking in public,
- Know you need to speak in public but you're procrastinating like crazy,
- Afraid to speak in public,
- Envious of people who speak confidently in public, or
- Would just like a few tips on how you can speak better than they do...
This Newsletter will give you, as painlessly as possible, tips and techniques to become the cool, confident speaker you've always longed to be. |
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SPEAKER'S TIP #5
Learn to Breathe!
When many people get up to speak, one of their greatest fears is that they'll make a mistake, forget something important, get flustered, have heart palpitations and fall to the floor in a dead faint. If you've ever felt this way, you know what I'm talking about. Of course, it never happens. When was the last time you saw someone faint away on stage? Or did so yourself?
 Still, the fact that it never happens is not a deterrent. Irrational fears hold us firmly in thrall just because they're irrational. We can't explain them or make sense of them, we don't know where they come from or how to get rid of them, and we feel victimized and powerless to do anything to control or combat them.
But we don't have to feel this way. There is something we can do. It's a very simple technique, we use it all day, every day, without thinking about it even for a minute.
Breathe! Yes, breathe. It's that simple. Just breathe.
When we suddenly feel self-conscious and fearful, we often also feel short of breath. We find ourselves panting, taking little gasps of air like a fish out of water which do nothing to make us feel more comfortable. We go numb, as if our brain has suddenly turned to cheese. We can't think, can't move; we're rooted to the spot like Lot's wife turned to salt. Most of all, we can't think how to get out of this awful state!
Breathe! Pause for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Take your time. Your audience will wait. They'll figure this is just part of your presentation. They can't see the stress inside. To them you're just as calm, cool and collected as you were five seconds ago.
Nothing relieves stress like breathing. Deep breathing exercises calm our nerves, slow our heartbeat, send blood flowing from head to toe, rev up our energy, and quiet all the butterflies that are careening madly from one side of our stomach to the other. All we need do is remember to breathe.
If you have a glass of water handy, take a sip. Breathe. Your brain works much better when it's oxygenated. Practice your deep breathing exercises at home ahead of time, so they'll always be there when you need them. Find your own optimal breathing level, the one that gives you energy, sets you back on track, gets your mind humming again, but doesn't make you dizzy. Trust your body. The weak, panicky feeling will quickly pass. It always does.
Focus on proceeding to the next point in your talk. Concentrate on giving your gift, making your message land. You can do it. You're in charge. Your confidence will return in a heartbeat. Confidence comes when we breathe it in! |
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Want to use this Speaking Tip in your Newsletter or Blog?
You can as long as you include this entire blurb: For over ten years, Marion Claire has coached entrepreneurs, executives, artists, professionals and just plain folks to become the confident speakers they longed to be. She's the author of the forthcoming book, "Speaking Is Sexy: How to Inspire with the Power of Your Voice", due in 2010. She'll also help you write your speech for almost any occasion. For more information about Marion and her programs, check out her website at www.marionclaire.com. |
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Why is it called "Speaking Is Sexy"? When what someone says and how they say it sends chills up and down our spine, that's sexy! John F. Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country!" inspired generations of Peace Corps volunteers. When Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "I have a dream!" in his vibrant, compelling voice, people followed him everywhere. And when blonde bombshell Mae West said, "Peel me a grape!", she inspired followers, too, although maybe not for quite the same reason.
Whether you're giving a speech, having a conversation, saying your wedding vows, teaching your kids, exhorting your sales team, or talking in your sleep, if someone is listening, you are inspiring them. The results you get depend on what you say and how you say it at that moment. It's important to remember that whenever you speak, someone is influenced by each word you say. Be a positive influence. Be an inspiration. That's very sexy.
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 Looking for a dynamic, entertaining Speaker for your next Meeting or Event?Let me show your group the nuts and bolts of being a sexy speaker. Choose from such topics as "How to Speak Like a Pro" or "How to Inspire with the Power of Your Voice" or I'll create a talk that specifically addresses your needs. Feel free to contact me if you have a last minute cancellation by your previously scheduled speaker. Email me at Marion@marionclaire.com or visit www.marionclaire.com. |
More about Marion Claire
For over 20 years, I suffered from agoraphobia, the fear of crossing open spaces. Its cousin is claustrophobia, the fear of enclosed spaces, and they're often mistaken for each other. At one point I had both. I couldn't step into an elevator without feeling anxious, dizzy and terrified I would faint. These were the same symptoms I suffered when I had to stand in line at the supermarket or sit in the middle of a row in a movie, theater, bus or airplane. I was the Aisle Seat Kid. Sometimes I couldn't tell whether I was experiencing agoraphobia or claustrophobia, the symptoms were so much alike. I remember once having to sit in the middle of a row (there were no other seats) through the entire four acts of Eugene O'Neill's "More Stately Mansions", a very long play, indeed. I spent at least three-and-a-half of those four acts practicing my deep breathing exercises! No way could I then have dreamt of getting up on stage to speak to a room full of strangers! And yet, today I'm on stage in front of groups of all sizes, shapes and interests. If I can do it, so can you! Let me help you. Contact me at Marion@marionclaire.com.
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 How would your life be different if you finally got over your fear of public speaking?It's a lot easier than you think to become the confident, exciting speaker you want to be. It takes only a few short sessions (at a surprisingly low investment) to learn how to neutralize your fears, tweak the skills you already have and learn simple techniques that'll make you shine on the platform. Whatever the occasion, let me help you become a dynamic, delightful speaker. Contact me at Marion@marionclaire.com. |
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