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Energize Yourself

Toastmaster Tips August 9, 2005
Elena

A great deal of tension is collected in the upper body. It tightens the mussels needed to produce sound and constricts the speaker as well.

Energized Freedom is a series of 6 exercises that help you to release your tension that stores in your body because of nervousness and transform it into expressiveness and vitality. Energized Freedom is a 5 minute routine that can be done daily or just before your speech. Find a private place where you can be unhurried.

Step 1. The Calming Breath

Blow out all the air you can, quickly and aggressively. With your mouth closed pinch your nose shut with you fingers and then attempt to breathe in against your fingers. Hold this for a five count. Then let go with your fingers and breathe in. Exhale. It will break the cycle of tension. Always begin your routine with 2 calming breaths.

Step 2. Head Roll

Close your eyes. Let your head fall forward. Then gently rotate your head in a large circle. You may hear crack or crunches in your neck. Do not worry, that crunching is a symptom of accumulated tension in your neck. It will disappear with repeated exercise. Keep changing directions of the rotations. You may do 4 rotations in each direction.

Step 3. Shoulder Circles

Again with closed eyes, rotate your shoulders in big circles. Try to touch ears at the high point and keep your shoulders as low as possible during the low point. Enjoy the sensation of easing the stiffness.

Step 4. Piano Playing

Hands are often taken for granted, yet they are wonderful tension collectors, and also need exercising. Imagine you are sitting at a piano. Lift your hands and begin to play. Use the entire key board, make this very passionate piece of music. Involve your torso.

Step 5. Facial Isometrics

Play a monkey: bring your lips forward, tighten your brows, make a sneer, and curl your face from side to side. After exploring your face, tighten it into a prune face and then into wide silent scream. Repeat several times.

Step 6. Stand and Stretch like a Lion

Yawn. Stretch. Now you can conquer the world!

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