Voice Awareness® at Work and Everyday Life (5)

Strategies against nervousness

It comes quite suddenly. The excitement usually begins minutes, not infrequently hours before the actual performance or the conversation, which is unlikely to be easy. Heart palpitations, dry mouth, cold palms, racing thoughts - not an optimal prerequisite for a confident start.

Fooling around like the pros from TV

We only know them with a sovereign smile, quick-witted and charismatic, the great entertainers and presenters. The fact that they do their warm-up exercises before the performance as a matter of course (and certainly don't look particularly intelligent) is of course not seen at home in front of the TV.

Why is fooling around so effective?

Stress and nervousness activate ancient survival mechanisms in the brain. The "limbic brain", which allows you to communicate in a relational way, is blocked. Negative thought patterns (" You're so nervous again!" ) intensify this situational stress into stage fright.

If you allow yourself to fool around for a short time in a protected space, you will quickly and effectively reduce your tension before the performance. Release your inner child, show yourself a long nose in the mirror, or grimace – the wilder the better. Bubble or snort to your heart's content, even if it seems extremely strange to you at the moment. Then look at it in a result-oriented way: Do you notice how quickly body language and gestures open up and the adrenaline leaves your veins? Being able to laugh at yourself is the best sign of regained self-confidence and sovereignty.

• Stand stably on both feet
• Loosen your knees so that you are flexible and balanced in the "hula hoop zone" (this activates the muscles in the lower back)
• Now open your gaze to your conversation partner: You feel your upper body coming forward a little expectantly, as if you were waiting to catch a thought
• Your shoulders and neck are relaxed, your arms spontaneously fall down and become ready for impulsive, relaxed gestures that will perfectly underline your words
• The entire body feel is light and flexible while being firmly anchored to your point of view.

Sense Focusing

HOW TO GET PEACE OF MIND AT ALL TIMES

No matter how well prepared and attuned you are, tension can flare up again at any time during a presentation. And there are also tricky situations in conversation. Whether it's an unexpected question or a small glitch – if you feel unwanted pressure coming up in you, use the following tip:

How does "Sense Focusing" work?

Your brain can only process a certain number of sensory stimuli per second. As soon as you concentrate feel , other perceptions or thoughts disappear from short-term memory. Your system can "reorganize" during this time. They are "with themselves" again, the pressure to perform decreases.

Practical tip

With "Sense Focusing" you have a powerful tool at hand to block out any unwanted impressions or thoughts for a short time. This strengthens and makes you independent. You regain your ability to act even in stressful moments. Try it out!

Training in everyday life

PRACTICING IN EVERYDAY LIFE MEANS DOUBLING YOUR TIME

I would like to quote once again the basic rule of top-class sport, which is so close to my heart: Never practice in competition!

If you use everyday moments over and over again to teach your autopilot the "new groove", you won't have to think about it later in the conversation and presentation. They are fit, relaxed and confident.

Integrate your special 3-second exercises into your everyday life. If you define your anchors precisely, you will have the desired effect quickly available when it really matters. You gain a significant plus in personal security when you appear or have a conversation to have.

Practical tip

One Post It is quickly written and glued to the edge of the screen. Use simple "anchors" that remind you of your planned small exercises.

I wish you every success from the bottom of my heart!

Next steps:
You are currently reading the fifth and final online tip on the topic of "Voice Awareness® at Work and in Everyday Life" How did you like the training and the courses? Were you able to make good use of it? Have you discovered further training needs for yourself?

I would be very happy if you write to me – of course also if you have any questions yourself: arno.fischbacher@stimme.at

See you soon and good luck!

You

Arno Fischbacher