Just Breathe

Most of us are a leading such jam-packed, multi-tasking lives that we practically forget to breathe.  This holds especially true when we face a challenging public speaking situation.  When we feel pressured or judged, and our “fight or flight” response is triggered, the first thing that goes haywire is our breathing.

The problem is, when you’re not breathing, you’re not thinking.

And when you’re not breathing, neither is your audience.

Conscious breathing is an essential element in a life that is balanced and healthy, and a mighty weapon against fear, anxiety and stress—on and off the speaking platform.  And it’s at your disposal 24 hours a day, free of charge.

You can use your breath to calm yourself prior to an important meeting or presentation:  Inhale and exhale three times, from your belly, before you step up to the podium or walk through the door into a meeting.

You can use your breath to elevate your energy:  Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth with force, and at deliberately increased pace, until you feel your body awakened and energized.

You can use your breath to bring a moment of silence to your presentation, allowing your audience to catch up with you and have the chance to feel the impact of what you just said.   Giving them a moment to breathe with you is a great gift; and your audience loves it.

Finally, you can use your breath to help you recover when something or someone throws you for a loop during your presentation.  Instead of rushing through the moment to avoid its awkwardness, encourage yourself do the reverse:  Stop speaking. Breathe.  And just Be.  Encourage yourself to stay very fully, very honestly, and very human-ly in the present moment. Allow your audience to be a part of your thoughtful, breathing silence.  This breath-filled silence, along with your willingness to be fully present, creates a rich sense of anticipation that’s exciting and intriguing to your audience, allowing them to connect more deeply with you.  Resume speaking when you feel ready.

Take time to breathe, deeply, consciously and with deliberation, especially when you’re feeling pressured or judged.  And bring yourself more fully to every precious moment.

SOURCE: http://abecssbr.com/ann-arbor/ann-arbor-2010/guest-columns-ann-arbor-201...