Public Speaking Tip: Dutch courage - Paul M Johnstone

Eat, Drink And be Merry, For Tomorrow……………

It’s a fact eating and drinking well helps you be a better public speaker!  Specifically, making sure you are well fed – but not over-fed means you have energy and will help you through the event.  Energy levels are important especially when you are on yoru feet speaking too your audience. Public speaking requires some self control.

So eating and drinking well helps you be a better public speaker.

It provides you with energy and helps your speeking voice as you will not feel tight or bloated around your diaphragm, you know the bit that projects your voice!.

Also your throat should be well lubricated. There are lots of ways of ensuring this, and my preference is for a glass of luke warm water, which relaxes the throat. Alcohol and (to some extent tea, coffee and some soft drinks) will make your mouth dry.

One of the worst thing is gassy or carbonated drinks, or worse still is beer! They’ll make you feel bloated and may even cause you to belch!  And it’s best to avoid anything that coats the throat, as this inhibits your speech, milk, chocolate are two I would avoid.

Why is this important?

I’ve already stressed in previous posts the importance of being relaxed when speaking in public.  And being over-full or perhaps just a little drunk can mimic some of the physical discomforts as fear.

Public speaking, especially when you are being paid, require some self discipline… And to be relaxed it's best if you use simple relaxation exrcises rather than alcohol.

Abstain until it is your time to speak…Knock ’em dead with a great speech.

Then chill out and enjoy yourself!  With that hot chocolate or large glass of 12 year old single malt

If you’d like to improve your public speaking and presentation skills – get in touch! 

Comments and feedback pleas! Feel free to comment on this or any of my earlier Blogs. You guys keep me on track and help me improve.

About the Author

Paul M Johnstone is a Professional Communicator, Speaker, Executive Coach and PowerPoint Guru!  He works with companies, organisations and individuals, helping them improve their communication skills.  Paul helps people want to speak and present more effectively, to improve their personal and professional success. He can be reached at +44 (0)7711 324362or through his website at http://www.pmjohnstone.co.uk/

©Paul M Johnstone