Greetings,
When I consider the thousands of people with whom I've worked over the years, it is fascinating to see how many of them lose their 'color' when they stand at the lectern to deliver a speech or presentation. In normal conversation, these people are animated, emotional, alive. Upon standing at the lectern however, they briefly glimpse their notes, look up and begin speaking (or reading) with little or no expression.
If you know me at all, you can probably guess that I am talking about nervousness. By now, everyone knows that public speaking is man's greatest fear. Is that reasonable? Absolutely. Because most people do not allow their nervousness to work for them, however, they are not able to take advantage of the marvelous adrenaline rush that can truly take that speech or that presentation to a whole new level. Instead, their nervousness works against them which in turn makes it impossible to allow their emotion -- their color -- to be expressed.
Simply put, your nervousness is in control and not you.
Today I read an article in which the writer said that in order to control your nervousness, try deep breathing before you walk up to the lectern. That is certainly good advice; however, better advice would be to continue the deep breathing throughout the entire delivery. Make diaphragmatic breathing a habit and you will discover a control that you never knew possible as well as an end to breathlessness.
Successful speakers (as well as performers, musicians, & athletes) allow their nervousness to work for them and the really good ones understand the value of the breath. |