Breathe and Relax

Deep breathing promotes relaxation. Deep breathing sends oxygen to the lungs and brain and expands muscles in the throat and chest that tend to tighten when we are tense. Cheryl Hamilton recommends “taking a deep breath through your nose, holding it while you count to five, and then slowly exhaling through your mouth. As you exhale, imagine that the stress and tension are slowly draining down your arms and out your fingertips, down your body and legs and out your toes. Repeat the process a second or third time if needed.” ²⁴

Use relaxation techniques prior to your speech. Concentrate on slowly tensing and relaxing your muscles, starting with your neck and working down to your toes. ²⁵ You can also lightly clench and unclench your fists as you are waiting for your turn to speak; this may help relieve some tension and clamminess in your hands. ²⁶

Look Your Best

A study on the dynamics of verbal communication found that “55 percent of interpersonal communication comes from how people look—facial expression and body language; 38 percent from how they speak—vocal quality; and the other 7 percent from what they say—the content of the communication. So how you look and sound accounts for 93 percent of the impression you make.” What you wear contributes to that impression. ²⁷

If you dress your best and take the time to present a polished appearance, you will naturally feel more confident. Of course, don’t wear clothing that is restrictive or uncomfortable. There is no need to add the worries of tight shoes or a hot wool jacket to your speaking experience. “Wear something that makes you feel good because, if you feel good, you’ll radiate confidence.” ²⁸

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the material in lesson 1. What I’ve covered in this lesson should help you see that everyone is learning and growing. Real growth happens by facing your fear and giving up the expectation that you have to be perfect. Everyone has the potential to be a great public speaker. As we continue on with the lessons, I hope you will find the skills and tools that will assist you in connecting with the audience and developing your own public speaking style.