Confidence and Public speaking

Standing up in front of a group of people and offering something of yourself - talent, skill, expertise - is nerve-racking, however small the group and however experienced the speaker. Today many of us are involved in some form of public speaking or group work. The business audience, like the theater or opera audience will generally include competitive peers or aspirants, judgmental superiors or observers, as well as actual or potential customers.

When we are called to get up in front of a crowd and speak our body seems to go out of control, shaking, perspiring and generally behaving in a most uncooperative fashion. Breathing becomes shallow and restricted, severely affecting the quality of our voice. Our mind becomes suddenly confused or even blank. Our whole physiology is over- reacting to the simple stimulus of having to speak.

The Alexander Technique is a useful tool for reigning in and controlling those reactions. It informs the essentials of posture, breath, vocal quality, physical dexterity, and efficient and assured movement. Once you become more familiar with how you respond to stress and what to do about it, the audience will see a poised stance and easy movement and will hear an attractive, well placed voice inspiring confidence. They will be able to relax and take in the words, without worrying about whether the performer is going to cope.

As the body and voice are correctly used, and we know we can inhibit our panic or excitement and take the time to answer difficult questions, then we can get out of our own way and make a real connection with the audience. We can learn to develop that indefinable quality that all really good speakers possess - presence.