Speaking Tip Of The Day: Just Relax! ~Chair Tension Release

Right before a speech, most people try to tell themselves, “Just relax!” However, when your heart is racing, muscles are tight, and you can barely breathe, no amount of positive affirmations will convince you or your body! While it is impossible to completely eliminate the stress involved in giving a speech, it is possible to reduce the stress to a level that is survivable.

CHAIR TENSION RELEASE

Here is a tension release exercise you can practice just before going up to give your speech. First, grab hold of each side of your chair with both hands. All at once, holding your breath, squeeze every part of your body into a ball of tension. Contract your face, shoulders, arms, hands,  belly, buttocks,  thighs,  knees, calves and feet. Hold your breath, count to 5 and then using a loud explosive exhalation of the word “Ha!,” totally and completely release  your body and your hands from the side of the chair. Do this sequence three to five times.

By now, hopefully you are feeling more centered, focused and a little more at ease. Your ability to calm your stress and tension levels more quickly will improve with practice.