RELAX AND STAND TALL

I am unaware of a student actually dying giving a speech. I did have one student faint, a Marine Lance Corporal who locked his knees.

There are two pieces of advice I give my new public speaking students: relax and stand tall.

Many giving a presentation for the first time are understandably nervous. Though the speaker may have practiced the speech tens-of-times, standing in front of people who will be critiquing you is understandably hard to do, even for the most experienced speaker.

The first thing I notice when students give their first speech of the term is that they tense up. Their shoulders get tight and raise. Their entire body tends to stiffen up. I usually suggest that they roll their shoulders forward and backwards three or four times, take a deep breath, exhale and drop their shoulders. Take another breath and begin.

Why stand tall? My graduate school public speaking faculty use to say, “Stand tall and be proud.” Actually, standing tall helps one breath easier. The diaphragm is not being restricted and you can take an easier breath without struggling.

Standing tall also emits an air of confidence to the audience. I had a public speaking client who was only 4 foot, 11 inches tall and tended to slouch when she spoke. By getting her to stand tall, she was better accepted by her audiences and gained more referrals.

So take a moment to relax and stand tall for your next presentation.