Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, Leo Weston here, Welcome back to Confidence on
Command Public Speaking Edition, your daily dose of fearless speaking,
real talk, and a whole lot of motivation. Today's topic,
we're tackling something that plague speakers, performers, heck even just
us regular folks in everyday situations. Performance anxiety. Ever felt
(00:25):
that nod in your stomach before a big presentation, that
voice in your head whispering doubts, or that sudden urge
to disappear into thin air. Yeah, we've all been there.
But guess what, it doesn't have to rule your life.
And the secret weapon I'm about to share with you
deep breathing. Now before you yawn and think, oh great,
(00:48):
another cliche, hear me out, deep breathing isn't just some
hippy mumbo jumbo. It's a scientifically proven technique that can
calm your nerves, center your mind, and boost your confidence
like nothing else. Trust me on this one, folks. This
is not just about slowing down your breaths. It's about
rewiring your entire nervous system for success. Here are five
(01:13):
key takeaways to unlock the power of deep breathing and
crush those performance jitters. First off, understand that performance anxiety
stems from your body's fight or flight response. Kicking in
your heart, races, your palms sweat, and your suddenly hyper
aware of every single thing, not exactly ideal for delivering
(01:37):
a killer speech or acing that audition. Deep breathing directly
combats this response by sending signals to your brain to
chill out. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is
essentially your body's rest and digest mode, promoting calmness and relaxation.
Think of it like hitting the reset button on your
(01:59):
internal panic system. Second, practice makes perfect, Just like learning
a new language or mastering a musical instrument, deep breathing
requires consistent practice. Dedicate a few minutes each day to
consciously focus on your breath. Find a quiet spot, close
(02:19):
your eyes, and inhale deeply through your nose, filling your
lungs completely. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, visualizing all
the tension leaving your body with each exhale. Repetition is
key here, folks. The more you practice, the more natural
it becomes, even when those butterflies start fluttering in your stomach. Third,
(02:42):
think of deep breathing as a mental power. Tool. It's
not just about physical relaxation, it's also about sharpening your
focus and clarity. Imagine yourself on stage. Instead of feeling
overwhelmed by nerves, take a few deep breaths with each inhale.
Visualize your confidence growing, your words flowing effortlessly, and the
(03:05):
audience captivated by your message. Fourth, remember to breathe throughout
your entire performance or presentation. It's easy to forget when
you're in the heat of the moment, but taking conscious
breaths every few minutes can help you stay calm, collected,
and on top of your game. You know that feeling
(03:26):
when you're having a great conversation and suddenly realize you've
been holding your breath. Don't let that happen during your
big moment. Finally, be kind to yourself. Even seasoned speakers
get nervous. Sometimes it's okay to feel those butterflies. It
just means you care about doing well. But remember, deep
(03:47):
breathing is your secret weapon, your go to technique for
transforming anxiety into calm and confidence. And hey, if all
else fails, just think of me cheering you on from
the sidelines. Speaking of real world examples, picture this Sarah
is about to give a presentation at work. Her heart
(04:08):
is pounding like a drum solo, and she feels a
familiar wave of panic washing over her. But wait, she
remembers our deep breathing power lesson. Taking a few slow
deep breaths, she focuses on each inhale and exhale, feeling
her body relaxed with every breath. Suddenly, the not in
(04:31):
her stomach loosens and she feels a surge of calm confidence.
Sarah goes on to deliver a fantastic presentation, engaging her
audience and leaving a lasting impression. Deep breathing isn't just
about surviving those nerve wracking moments, It's about thriving in them.
It's about taking control of your body, your mind, and
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ultimately your confidence. So next time you feel those butterflies fluttering,
remember our secret weapon deep breaths, calm vibes, and a
whole lot of awesomeness. Remember, folks, confidence isn't something you're
born with. It's a skill you cultivate, and with practice, patience,
(05:17):
and the power of deep breathing, you can become a
confident communicator, ready to take on any challenge that comes
your way. Now go out there, breathe deeply, and own
your stage. Don't forget to share this episode with a
friend who could use a little confidence boost and leave
a review if you found it helpful. Until next time,
(05:40):
keep breathing deeply and crushing it. This podcast is created
with the help of advanced AI to deliver thoughtful affirmations
and positive messages just for you.