October 14 is Face Your Fears Day. Many people report public speaking as their number one fear–so why not use this upcoming “holiday” to push past that fear.
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Why? Because nothing is as powerful as standing up in front of a room and using your words and body to convince others to see your way of thinking, to take the action you advocate, or to accept your ideas. If you aren’t good at it, you’re letting go of opportunities to showcase your smarts, have a say, and gain respect.
Here’s # 2:
2. Stop doing relaxing breathing exercises
Ancient wisdom and modern science point to the beneficial effects of numerous breathing techniques. But most breathing exercises have a tranquilizing effect. They cause you to relax and lose energy, which is exactly what you don’t want. You want to be alert, alive, and in the zone.
So here is a counterintuitive breathing technique that will pump you up, not space you out: The Stimulating Breath (also called the Bellows Breath).
The Stimulating Breath is adapted from a yogic breathing technique. Its aim is to raise vital energy and increase alertness.
Inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose, keeping your mouth closed but relaxed. Your breaths in and out should be equal in duration, but as short as possible. This is a noisy breathing exercise. Don’t do it in front of the audience.
Try for three in-and-out breath cycles per second (I told you, it has to be fast.) This produces a quick movement of the diaphragm, suggesting a bellows. On your first try, do it for 15 seconds. Do not do it for more than 15 seconds on your first try. Each time you practice the Stimulating Breath, you can increase your time by five seconds or so, until you reach a full minute.
If done properly, you will feel invigorated, comparable to the heightened awareness you feel after a good workout. You should feel the effort at the back of the neck, the diaphragm, the chest, and the abdomen.
Try this breathing exercise when you’re getting ready to go on. It will boost your energy level.
Next…3. Don’t just rehearse; sit there