Ho! Ho! Ho!
'Tis the holiday season and everyone is busy. I know readers of this newsletter are no exception, so I will keep this short and to the point!
First of all, I want to thank you for reading "Outside the Speaker's Bubble" this year. I hope you have been able to use some of my speaking tips whenever you engage in communication. And I hope some of my insights and observations have given you food for thought. Please continue to give me feedback, pose questions, and ask me to unravel communications problems as we begin another year together. And of course, share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues and whoever else might find it useful!
Body language speaks!
I heard a fascinating story on NPR the other day, one that had me cheering and making a mental note to share it with you all. A study conducted by Hillel Aviezer, a psychology researcher at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, concluded that our body language conveys more information about our emotional and mental state than our facial expression does.
Now, if you have ever worked with me, you know I base my practice on the importance of using your body while you speak. Speaking is a physical activity that requires the body's engagement as much as dancing does. And this is a good thing, for many reasons. Not the least of which is that you cannot achieve energized, dynamic speech without a full breath-body-mind connection. And you cannot convince your listeners that you are fully engaged with them without this connection, either.
If you need more convincing, there is an excellent TED talk by social psychologist Amy Cuddy that demonstrates how body language can undercut or elevate our own feelings of confidence.
So if you think you can "put on a happy face" and communicate something from the neck up while you slouch, sit tensely with your arms crossed, or sway to and fro like an unstable Christmas tree, you're wrong. And now we have the science to prove it
Tips you can use! Make the most of your parties Stretch when you travel Stay in the moment
Be sure you have a snappy introductory speech to pull out of your back pocket at every social event. Networking opportunities abound at holiday parties.
Whether you're in the car or on a plane, you need to get up and move every 90 minutes. Take a break at a highway rest stop or do some stretches in the airport restroom. Traveling is easier when your body is relaxed and happy.
During the holiday season, our thoughts can get ahead of our actions more than they usually do. Breathe, focus, slow down, and be mindful of what you're doing. Open yourself to unexpected delights of the season!
