💡Top Tip
Conquer Your Stage Fright: A Simple Technique to Stay Calm While Speaking in Public
Do you often find yourself battling those jitters before stepping onto the stage to speak in public? Don't worry; you're not alone. Public speaking nerves can affect even the most seasoned speakers. But fear not, because we have a simple yet effective technique to help you calm those nerves and deliver a confident performance.
Forget the common advice to take deep breaths – there's a better way. Many stressed speakers unknowingly accumulate excess carbon dioxide in their systems due to shallow breathing. Deep breaths might seem like the solution, but first, you need to expel that built-up carbon dioxide.
So, what's the technique?
It's straightforward and easy to remember. Here's how you do it:
Take two short inhales of breath.
Follow that with a long exhale.
Repeat this process as needed. By doing so, you effectively eliminate the excess carbon dioxide from your body and recalibrate your system to a more balanced state.
The next time you find yourself on stage, give this technique a try. To make sure you remember it when you need it most, place a reminder on top of your speech notes. Not only will it help you stay focused, but it will also serve as a distraction from those nervous jitters.
Incorporating this simple breathing technique into your public speaking routine can make a world of difference. So, take a deep breath (or rather, a short one followed by a long exhale) and step confidently onto that stage – you've got this!
💡Another Top Tip
Elevate Your Impromptu Speech Game With This One Tip!
Are impromptu speeches causing you anxiety? Fear not; we've got a game-changing tip that will help you master those unexpected moments with confidence. The key lies in building a library of stories right in your mind, and in this article, we'll show you how.
The Secret: Build a Library of Stories
We all have a treasure trove of memories and experiences just waiting to be unleashed. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. List Your Headline Stories: Start by making a list of stories from various aspects of your life - Career, Family, School, Friends, Hobbies, Neighbors, Adventures, Weekend Activities, and even Random Encounters. These will be your storytelling materials.
2. Create Story Index Cards: Condense each story into a headline on an index card. This will serve as your quick reference guide when you're about to take the stage or face a public speaking situation.
3. Purposeful Stories: Ensure that these stories have a purpose or a valuable lesson. Stories with a clear message tend to resonate better with your audience.
4. The Storytelling Formula: Use the classic storytelling structure to give your stories a compelling narrative:
Once upon a time, there was...
Every day...
One day...
Because of that...
Until finally...
Fill in the details, and watch your stories come to life.
5. Keep It Short and Sweet: Remember, concise storytelling is key. Ditch unnecessary details and focus on keeping your stories engaging and to the point.
Why Build a Story Collection?
Building your library of stories isn't just beneficial for public speaking; it's a life skill that can boost your confidence in both professional and social situations. By crafting your story collection, you'll not only inspire others but also make your impromptu speeches unforgettable.
It's essential to note that your stories don't need to be 100% accurate; they're stories, not documentaries. Share your experiences, inspire others, and elevate your impromptu speech game.
Incorporate this valuable tip into your life, and you'll find yourself thriving in impromptu speaking situations and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
Don't dread impromptu speeches; conquer them with the power of storytelling!
💬 Quotes
"You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectations." - Bette Davis
“Don’t spend major time on minor things.” - Jim Rohn
🗣️ Buzzwords
Enshittification - a term used to explain why social platforms are so bad now.
Coffee Badging - the act of going into the office to 'show face' for a few hours and then leaving.
Monk Mode - the intent to remove screen distractions and focus on the task at hand. (see below)
👨💼Getting in Monk Mode
Three apps that can help eliminate digital distraction:
The Freedom app, which allows users to block specific social sites or turn off internet access entirely, has 2.5m+ global users.
FocusMe lets users customize their website blocking (you can block all of Facebook with the exception of one group, for example).
Cold Turkey claims its website blockers are nearly impossible to break.
📖 Reads (or Views)
Can a company own a colour?
How to tell someone they got your name wrong
What makes someone a dog person?
🔣 Some Stats
16.38ºC. The average global surface air temperature last month, the hottest September on record. It’s the fourth month in a row that has been recorded as the “hottest ever.”
Finland is the happiest country in the world.
⌛ Time Wasters
There are cowboy boot Crocs now
How to climb a pole
Boredom Buster - Noughts and Crosses
🐔 Chicken Soup for the Office
The Marathon Team
Once upon a time, in a small town, there was a group of friends who decided to enter a marathon. Each of them had their own reasons for participating, but together, they formed an unforgettable team.
The team consisted of five individuals: Alex, a young and talented designer; Emma, a seasoned sales expert; Mike, an analytical data scientist; Sarah, an enthusiastic marketer, and David, a passionate customer support representative.
As the marathon date approached, they realised they were all at different levels of fitness and experience. Some were seasoned runners, while others had never run a race before. Doubts and challenges arose, but they decided to stick together, knowing that they could rely on each other for support.
Training began in earnest. They trained after work, on weekends, and even during lunch breaks. The experienced runners shared their knowledge, helping the beginners improve their technique. They encountered injuries, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt, but they never gave up.
Race day arrived, and the team stood at the starting line, nervous but determined. As the race began, they faced various challenges. Some struggled with fatigue, while others dealt with cramps and blisters. At one point, Emma twisted her ankle but refused to quit.
What kept them going was their unwavering support for one another. When one member felt weak, another would offer encouragement. When someone was about to give up, the rest of the team would rally around them, reminding them of the bigger goal they were working towards.
Despite the difficulties, they crossed the finish line together, arms linked, with smiles on their faces. They didn't break any records, but they achieved something more significant. They proved that with teamwork, determination, and support for one another, they could overcome any obstacle.
The "Marathon Team" not only completed the race but also achieved a level of camaraderie and synergy that transcended their individual roles within the company. They brought this newfound unity back to their workplace, where their collaboration and determination led to greater success in their job.
🤣 Prompts
Monk Mode, by Midjourney
Prompt: cinematic, realistic, monk, in an office, office workers --no suits, no ties --ar 16:9