Happy Women's History Month!
In 1987, Congress declared March Women's History Month. This expanded Women's History Week, which had been celebrated since the '70's. Women's History Week originally included International Women's Day, which itself has been celebrated -- internationally -- since 1909. My history with WHM does not go back that far: it dates to 1993 when I started criss-crossing the country, performing my solo historical drama, Off the Wall: The Life and Works of Charlotte Perkins Gilman. I had a great time over the years traveling to 180 campuses, museums, libraries, and federal offices, meeting feminists, historians, students and theatre-goers in 26 states - and the District of Columbia!
Lessons from "the road"
It was during this time of wheels-down, mad-dash-to-venue, set-up-show, scramble-into-costume & hit-the-stage that I developed much of the technique I share with my clients today. I had been studying the art and craft of acting for years, but the nuts and bolts of being my own stage manager AND "star of the show" compelled me find a warm-up that worked. Every time. So I devised a quick vocal/physical warm-up that I could do in my private dressing room (rarely) or the closest women's restroom (more often than not). As Desirée Armfeldt sings in Stephen Sondheim's brilliant musical, A Little Night Music: "Hi ho the glamorous life. . . !"
Nothing makes you invent your own best 15-minute pre-performance routine like the prospect of carrying an hour-long solo show. . . and keeping enough vocal and physical energy (not to mention presence of mind) to do a 15 to 20 minute Q & A after!
Warm-ups pay off!
I understand that my clients might worry about losing focus during their presentations, "hitting the wall" before the speech is over, or feeling too tired and a little bit cranky right before they have to do their thing. But IF they perform a physical and vocal warm-up, they can get themselves to the right mental place. And these concerns vanish. It is as simple, and as complex as that.
Like any good performance, a good speech -- whether onstage, at a podium, or around a conference table -- depends on you being fully there. And the best way to get there and stay there is to make sure you are relaxed, grounded and ready to go. Warm-ups are key. If you don't have one, try combination of yoga or dance stretches, singing exercises, and tongue twisters, and see what works. Or call me.
Tips you can use!
Banish the fidgets!
Nervous behaviors such as random hand gestures, rocking, and vocal tics can be controlled if you employ a deep breathing method that allows you to focus and stay in the moment. Fidgeting comes from nerves; if you can quell the nerves you can get rid of the fidgets.
Change up your tempo
If you are speaking for more than two minutes, make sure you build some variable pacing into your presentation. Even if your content is fascinating, a steady rhythmic pacing can put people to sleep. Especially important for lunchtime speakers to know!
Keep your knees "soft"
Locked knees can lead to fainting. Make sure you always keep your knees unlocked when standing.
