Paula Pace, M.S. – Professional trainer, speaker, consultant, and author

Improve company communication with the help of a professional trainer and author. Paula Pace, distinguished speaker and author, offers hands-on training workshops.

Breathe!

Posted on | October 20, 2009 | No Comments

 This morning, as I was perusing the internet for tidbits of important information I cannot live without, I found 25 health tips offered up by Dr. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon, author and familiar face on TV.  In the midst of reminders to go green (tea), eat breakfast, sleep and choose colorful veggies, I found reason to support one of the key pieces of advice I give to participants in my Effective Presentation Skills class. 

The advice I give is to breathe!  Such a simple thing, but so important!  Dr. Oz provides the reasoning behind this advice: 

“Do this (deep breathing) anywhere, anytime. Push out your bellows and suck air through your nose until your lungs are full. They’ll fill with nitric oxide, a chemical found in the back of your nose that opens up blood vessels. The dose of oxygen will make you feel happier and more alert. This is my secret technique for calming down before a show or a tough stitch in the OR.” 

Breathing is important to good presentation. Take deep breaths before, during and after you present.  Before you walk out onto the stage, fill your lungs as if you were taking a plunge into cold water (which in a way is an apt metaphor).  Slowly release the air.   Repeat this breathing pattern several times, slowing down until you feel a sense of calm and control. Continue to breathe during your presentation, and after you walk off the stage take a few more deep breaths.  

Most participants in my classes agree this is good advice and follow it; some let it pass as a minor suggestion, but the consequences of not enough rich oxygen feeding your brain should not be ignored.  Think back – if you’ve ever stood in front of an audience and experienced a light-headed anxiety followed by forgetting what you were going to say, perhaps you needed more oxygen.  I speak from experience; it has happened to me and it doesn’t feel good!  If this happens to you in the future, take a few moments to refer to your notes or ask the audience to look at the handout you provided; whatever you do, give yourself time to take a few deep breaths.  Both your balance and your presentation should return.  

Deep breathing isn’t important just for stand-up presentations in front of a large audience; it can also be used before you speak in weekly meetings, to your team and during conflict conversations.

Category: Paula Pace, leadership, presentation
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