Stress Relievers for Speakers

How can I relax when I'm so nervous about speaking in front of a group? This is a question that I'm always asked. The solution begins with your realization that you must be relaxed physically and mentally focused to be in control of "un-stressing" yourself.
 
Muscle relaxation of the throat and neck frees the voice from tension and produces a fully resonant vocal tone. Whole body muscle relaxation will also support your physical alignment with your vocal sound.
Replacing your nerve-wracking thoughts to positive ones will reinforce your energy and competency quality in front of an audience.
 
Now that you know you must start with relaxation techniques, here are a few exercises that you can implement today so that it becomes automatic, and you don't have to worry about it anymore.

1.  Stand and do long stretches in all directions using your arms and legs; up, down, behind, low, mid, and high.
2. Shake your whole body just like you are a swimmer coming out of the water and need to shake the water off your body. Be loose and free.
3. Take a HUGE yawn and feel that air hit the back of your throat.
4. Take 3 slow deep breaths using your diaphragm (barrel under ribs and chest area); but definitely not your upper shoulder or upper chest area. Your shoulders should not rise; but your stomach should expand. Practise this until it becomes natural to you. Exhale on a big sigh.
5. Mentally check that there are no lingering tense muscles in your body; if so, shake it out.
6. Think of a relaxing place on the beach to transform your body, mind, and spirit into a calming power force.
7. Mentally clear your head of clutter and fill it with energy and thoughts of "I've got this!"
8. Practise your opening lines as an expert looking directly at your audience members as if you are there to help your listener with advice.
9. Smile and enjoy the moment as a confident speaking guru of the ages.
10. Repeat the above steps regularly and absorb it all.

 
Take control to rid your stress level by following the above steps until you can pass it forward to help someone else who may be stressed like you used to be.
Way to go!
 
Brenda C. Smith, Founder of Voice Power Training Services [retired] and Author, is a personal speech coach who brings her expertise and experience as a lifelong drama director and teacher to guide your transformation into becoming a presenter with vocal power and presence. http://www.brendacsmith.com 

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