Got a full-length mirror nearby? Have a look at how you stand, naturally. Now think about how you stand when you’re presenting. More often than not, it’s a very similar stance – if not exactly the same.
The reason for the observation? How you stand affects not only how you come across to your audience, but the sound that emanates from you. If, for example, you have slightly hunched shoulders, turned in legs and your head is slightly lowered – the sound will be closed, a little tense and probably not audible enough. Similarly, if your shoulders are pushed far back, your lower back is pointing out and your arms and chest aren’t relaxed – then what is generally created is a tight, restricted tone with a real lack of breathing focus.
The best tip to start your stance afresh? Stand with your back, legs, heels and head against a wall, Only for a couple of minutes. This can help adjust your thinking to a completely neutral stance, and what that technically feels like. Come off the wall, with that stance in mind. Nobody stands with a perfectly aligned spine, the wall work is just a reminder.
Keep your shoulders lowered and relaxed, your arms free (i.e. not folded, no clasped hands, not holding on to anything if possible) and your legs shouldn’t feel stiff. Your head should be facing forward, too far up or down puts added pressure on your neck.
Now try delivering your message, keeping in mind “I must keep my body relaxed and open.” You’ll probably find that the words escape a little easier, the nerves (if any) are eased slightly and you don’t feel as tense when you’ve finished.
This is a small section of methodology taught in our ‘The Power of Presence’ workshops, designed to help you make the most of your body and voice when presenting or training. Have a look at our website for further details.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
There's the wrong way, and then there's my way.
This month – I’d like you to think about any workplace relationships that may need a little work. We all have them. And let’s face it, it can make your working environment uncomfortable or unpleasant.
But it doesn’t need to be. After reading this article about repairing relationships, it really got me questioning why we seem to put our own needs before the issues that need addressing. As clichéd as it sounds - surely the need for everyone to work together towards a common objective is what we’re aiming for.
One of the few things we have control over is our attitude. So let that be a bit of a guide to being the first step to repairing any workplace relationships. Keep your emotions at bay, really question whether it’s about being right or whether it’s about finding a solution. Keep the communication between both parties open and flexible. Above all – respect the other party as much as possible.
It may sound a little like marriage counselling, but think about it – you’re working with these people for most (if not all) of the day. Shouldn’t we try to make it work?
But it doesn’t need to be. After reading this article about repairing relationships, it really got me questioning why we seem to put our own needs before the issues that need addressing. As clichéd as it sounds - surely the need for everyone to work together towards a common objective is what we’re aiming for.
One of the few things we have control over is our attitude. So let that be a bit of a guide to being the first step to repairing any workplace relationships. Keep your emotions at bay, really question whether it’s about being right or whether it’s about finding a solution. Keep the communication between both parties open and flexible. Above all – respect the other party as much as possible.
It may sound a little like marriage counselling, but think about it – you’re working with these people for most (if not all) of the day. Shouldn’t we try to make it work?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A Word on the Use of New
The key phrase that seems to abound at this time of year is ‘New Year, New You!’.
Though this may be appropriate for some people, it tends to get a little disheartening. And, let’s face it - predictable. So let’s turn it on its head. How about instead of ‘New Year, New You’, why not ‘New Year, New Approach’?
By that, we mean – shouldn’t we have a look at approaches we’ve been using, examine them and perhaps revamp our strategies? Ignoring our already established practises, methods and deliveries seems to be a little wasteful. Why not go over them with a fine toothed comb, so to speak. Break down what really works and doesn’t work – and go from there.
For example – from a sales perspective, are we updating what we say to our potential customers? Keeping up to date with contemporary needs? And to our already established customers – are we keeping them informed? Do we need to put in a quick call to see if there’s anything we can assist them with?
From this, new ideas may arise or evolve – and if that happens for you, fantastic! You might find inspiration from revising old territory, and that in itself is a great start to the year, don’t you think?
Though this may be appropriate for some people, it tends to get a little disheartening. And, let’s face it - predictable. So let’s turn it on its head. How about instead of ‘New Year, New You’, why not ‘New Year, New Approach’?
By that, we mean – shouldn’t we have a look at approaches we’ve been using, examine them and perhaps revamp our strategies? Ignoring our already established practises, methods and deliveries seems to be a little wasteful. Why not go over them with a fine toothed comb, so to speak. Break down what really works and doesn’t work – and go from there.
For example – from a sales perspective, are we updating what we say to our potential customers? Keeping up to date with contemporary needs? And to our already established customers – are we keeping them informed? Do we need to put in a quick call to see if there’s anything we can assist them with?
From this, new ideas may arise or evolve – and if that happens for you, fantastic! You might find inspiration from revising old territory, and that in itself is a great start to the year, don’t you think?
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