Before Speech
Overcome public speaking anxiety and access clarity
Public speaking anxiety creates nervous activation that interferes with voice quality, memory recall, and presence. Breathing exercises done 10-15 minutes before speaking calm this activation while maintaining the alert focus necessary for engaging presentation. This combination creates genuine confidence.
Most public speaking issues (shaky voice, racing heart, mind blanks) stem from nervous system over-activation. Proper breathing regulates the nervous system and allows your prepared material to flow naturally. The effect is often transformative — turning anxiety into confidence.
The ideal pre-speech breathing combines extended exhale (to calm nervousness) with coherence breathing (to maintain sharp focus). Some speakers alternate between the two for maximum effect.
Benefits
- Reduces public speaking anxiety
- Improves voice quality and delivery
- Enhances memory recall under pressure
- Builds genuine confidence and presence
- Makes speaking feel natural
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I spend breathing before a speech?
10-15 minutes of breathing is ideal, but even 5 minutes helps significantly. The earlier you can start, the more time your nervous system has to settle.
Can I do breathing exercises right before I go on stage?
Yes, brief breathing in the wings helps. But the main preparation happens 15-30 minutes before.
What breathing pattern is best for speaking?
Coherence breathing works well to combine calm with alert clarity. Some people also use extended exhale breathing to specifically reduce anxiety.
Related Breathing Exercises