A powerful presentation skill that comes as naturally as breathing
Posted on December 22, 2010 by Baxter Dickson
It’s time for that presentation. Or the big sales call. Or a difficult conversation with a colleague. Are you feeling nervous? Thoughts fuzzy? Stressed out? So, many VoicePro® clients come to me asking for methods to help calm and center themselves. Here’s one that comes naturally to all of us: breathing.
Yes, It’s simply breathing.
You’ve read that advice in these blogs before, and now there’s scientific proof to back it up. I came across it in a National Public Radio story. It seems that simply taking deep breaths can affect the brain, the heart, digestion and immune system – and help you relax. The story quotes Mladen Golubic, from the Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine, who says, “You can influence asthma; you can influence chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; you can influence heart failure.” Esther Sternberg, a researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health, adds that rapid breathing is part of the “fight or flight” response. However, she adds, slow, deep breathing is calming, like putting the brakes on in a speeding car.
When you consider the Five Great Skills™ that are at the heart of the VoicePro® philosophy, you’ll see how breathing plays a part in being a strong communicator. Let’s take a deep breath and a look at the difference it makes.
Gain strength in a group.
Relaxation is key to showing confidence and self-esteem. In fact, studies show that in a group, the most relaxed person generally becomes the group leader. So, take a deep breath to help control the jitters that sap your strength.
Control a confrontation.
Your heart is pounding and maybe your thoughts are racing ahead of you. You’re giving away your focus and power. A few deep breaths will still your heart and head. Now you’re ready to speak persuasively, listen closely and react coolly and confidently with your best thinking.
Crank up your energy.
You couldn’t run a 100-yard dash on shallow, nervous breathing. You need full lungs to get ahead. You want that same kind of energy in a presentation or meeting. You’ll convey your messages with greater command and influence.
Breathe your body language.
Nerves that cause shallow breathing also tend to make you pull into yourself, hunching your shoulders, head down. You look and feel small and powerless – and your message takes on the same weakness. Take a deep breath, and I guarantee you’ll feel your shoulders relax. Open your stance and look people in the eye. Now your words will have impact.
Sharpen your focus.
“Focus on your breathing.” If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you’ve heard that phrase spoken to help you center on the class and leave other thoughts behind. It works for communication too. Concentrating on a few calming breaths can shut out your doubts and worries and let you center on your message.
The average person takes 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Make every one of them count!
Image by iujaz
