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When you’re suffering from speech anxiety, your muscles tense up, and your mind swarms with negative thoughts. You know you should relax. But who can chill out on command? Relaxation strategies—techniques that reduce muscle tension and negative thoughts—can help. For many people, exercise is a powerful relaxation strategy. It helps you expend nervous energy, and it leaves you relaxed and limber on the day of your presentation. It’s also renowned for clearing your mind. But exercising doesn’t necessarily mean heading for the nearest gym to lift weights or take a Pilates class. All you have to do is practice tightening and releasing your muscles—wherever you are at the moment. Breathe in as you tighten a group of muscles, and then exhale as you release the tension. Consider progressing from your neck muscles down to your feet. You can use this and other relaxation techniques even as you’re waiting to deliver your speech.