Critical Public Speaking Tool: Deep Breathing
Don’t underestimate the power of this very simple and critical speaking skill. The Public Speaker explains why.
Lisa B. Marshall
The word “inspire” literally means to draw in air—or breathe. So, for me, deep breathing is a critical speaking skill that should be included in everyone’s tool belt. Healthy deep breathing helps you to generate excitement in yourself and others, and, as leaders, our energy is subtly monitored and mirrored by those around us.
Take the time to focus on your breathing.
Deep breathing helps relieve nervous energy, it helps develop a strong voice and it helps to strengthen personal intensity. It is important for our energy, our focus, and our concentration. Deep breathing also improves your ability to be effective whenever you are facing a particularly stressful situation, from delivering presentations, to delivering bad news, or even when you need to ask for something important, like a raise or your spouse to turn off the game.
Related Content:
How to Breathe
How to Be a Great Guest Speaker
Thinking on Your Feet
Breathing photo from Shutterstock.
About the Author
Lisa B. Marshall Lisa holds masters with duel degrees in interpersonal/intercultural communication and organizational communication. She’s the author of Smart Talk: The Public Speaker’s Guide to Success in Every Situation, as well as Ace Your Interview, Powerful Presenter, and Expert Presenter. Her work has been featured in CBS Money Watch, Ragan.com, Woman’s Day, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and many others. Her institutional clients include Johns Hopkins Medicine, Harvard University, NY Academy of Science, University of Pennsylvania, Genentech, and Roche.