Best Relaxation Techniques

One of the best ways to reduce harmful stress before speaking is to concentrate on breathing. Firstly it takes your mind off of your speech. Secondly, it provides needed oxygen to the brain. Concentrating on your breathing makes you focus on yourself and listen to your body.

Movement is also a great relaxation technique and is good for getting the blood flowing. I have been known to go for a quick little jog or walk just before public speaking. (If you use the back door to step out for a minute, I recommend checking first to see if the door can be opened from the outside. Trust me. I speak from experience.)

Sample movements

Try some simple movements to release tension in your body.

1. Starting at the top, roll your head in circles. Roll your shoulders forward and back. Stretch your arms over your head. Rotate your hips in circles. Stretch out your legs.
2. Sit down on a chair and close your eyes. Picture yourself giving the best speech ever. Hear people laughing. Hear the applause as you finish up and walk off stage.
3. Inhale and exhale deeply. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. As you exhale, do it so lightly that if a candle were just inches from your mouth you would not blow it out. Picture all the tension in your body being “blown,” out as you exhale. Do this a few times.
4. Be aware of your body and any tension points. If a part of you feels tense, I.E. your neck, focus on relaxing that part. Stretch that part out if possible.

There are many, many relaxation techniques that are beneficial to conducting fearless public speaking engagements. What’s important to remember is to develop a routine and do them.

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