open to close, only to crash and recover later? Do you
find you can get “up” from a run, fly through the speech
on a high, get a shot of caffeine to revive that feeling,
and top it off with a little something for your sweet
tooth when your energy wanes two hours later? Do you
unwind with a cocktail? Face facts: Adrenaline, caffeine
and alcohol may be legal, but they each impact your
body in the same negative way as the illegal stuff.
You insist your method works, but can you really
spare the down time between peaks and valleys? You’re
thinking, “What’s the big deal? I always deliver at ‘show
time.’” The big deal is that it’s tough building a business. Sometimes a booking falls through, or it’s a slow
month. The more physically fit you are, the more emotionally resilient you are to weather the storms. If you
didn’t need any down time, you would have more productive days and more time for fun.
Recharge the Right Way
There’s no one-size-fits-all speakers’ exercise regimen—
you must take your personality and physicality into consideration before you hit the gym or pavement.
In general, speakers are Type A personalities. This gregarious bunch thrives on being on stage as much as in
relaying information that ultimately improves the quality of life for others. They like center stage and being
“on.” If you listen to loud music and love a party to
recharge, then your pre-speech workout might be a loud
fitness class and a lot of whooping and hollering with the
instructor.
Many performers, speakers and actors, however, prefer
to be alone so they can quietly reflect while recharging their
energy before an engagement. If you enjoy down time away
from crowds to wind down, then you might prepare for your
presentation by rolling out the yoga mat or lacing up your running shoes for a solo workout that allows you mental space.
Timing is Everything
Like an athlete, you should have a consistent training schedule
that progressively challenges you so you can see results. Just
before an event, however, you need to decrease the length and
intensity of your workouts to be in the best shape on stage. If
you suffer from jet lag, nerves or a sleepless night before your
engagement, take it into consideration as you prepare.
If you are a morning person doing an after-dinner slot,
you also will need change your routine slightly to tap into
your optimal energy level. Get some sunshine, fresh air and
some aerobic exercise to fully waken your system and fool
your natural clock within two hours of your event. If it’s
not possible, practice deep breathing and stretch your tight
muscles, at the very minimum.
How to Stay on
Top of Your Game
Take a walk. even if it’s just to the other side of your
office building, exercise pumps oxygen into the veins and
releases hormones that will rejuvenate you.
Change it up. small changes to your routine help
you maintain positive energy.
Catch those Zs. retire at the same time every night
and get at least eight hours of sleep so you’ll feel refreshed in
the morning.
Snack. keep healthy snacks close at hand so you can give
yourself a quick boost if needed.
Drink water. Water keeps you hydrated, acts as a
detoxifier and regulates the body’s major systems.
Rock out. Listening to your favorite music will put you
in a good mood and get you pumped up and moving.
Get chatty. talk to upbeat friends or coworkers and
soak up their good vibrations.
Laugh a little. collect funny cartoons or jokes that
make you chuckle.
Get Physical
If you speak about joy, living a life of purpose, and making
a difference in people’s lives but you have poor posture and
round shoulders, your audience may not feel moved by your
message. If you stand before an audience looking as if a small
breeze may blow you over, they won’t buy your message.
Here are some ways to prevent round shoulder syndrome.
STR-E-E-E-E-TCH
• Stretch tight upper back muscles
• Strengthen retractors of scapula
• Stretch tight chest and anterior shoulder muscles
EXERCISES YOU CAN DO ANY WHERE
• Scapular squeeze: Roll your shoulders back and squeeze
them together.
• Shoulder shrugs: Raise your shoulders up to your ears,
then lower them.
• Neck side-bend: Tilt one ear toward your shoulder and
hold briefly. Repeat on other side. As you repeat the head
tilt to the right, place your right hand on top of your head
and let your left arm rest at your side.
