Monday, August 31, 2009

Breathe Properly For Public Speaking

Breathe Properly for Public Speaking


Most people are afraid of public speaking but will have to do it at some point in their lives. One of the most serious problems people face in attempting to speak in front of others is that they don't know breathe properly. Without proper breathing, a lack of oxygen contributes to anxiety and makes it difficult to think clearly. With proper breathing, you can be relaxed, calm, and energetic when you speak in front of others.


Instructions








Breathe When Giving a Speech








1. Identify the location of your diaphragm by putting a hand at the center of your torso and inhaling. Proper breathing begins with the diaphragm, a muscle just below the breastbone. When you take a full, deep breath, the diaphragm pushes the internal organs down, allowing the lungs more room to expand.


2. Visualize your diaphragm pushing your organs down and your lungs filling to the bottom. When you take a proper breath, your stomach should push out, not your upper chest.


3. Maintain proper posture. Proper posture will keep your airflow from being impeded while you speak. Raise your chin so that air enters smoothly. Straighten your shoulders and pull them back a bit so that your chest muscles don't constrict around your airway.


4. Take some practice breaths. Inhale through your nose for a count of 5, then exhale through your mouth for a count of 5. You should find your anxiety decreasing, your energy increasing, and your volume and clarity increasing.


5. Begin every speech with two proper deep breaths before you start speaking. Remind yourself to take two deep breaths before you begin.


6. Read through your speech slowly. At every transitional point or at the end of every section, make a note for yourself to take a deep breath. This will keep you calm and allow your audience's listening to catch up to your speaking. After your deep breath, continue with the next section of your speech.


7. Deliver your speech while standing up straight, speaking loudly and slowly, and remembering to breathe. The quality of your speech depends in large part on being heard and understood. That won't happen if your speech is not supported by a proper intake of oxygen.

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