Talking is a very demanding activity. If you feel tired after giving a presentation, you’re not alone.
Why is talking so exhausting? Well, imagine after your last speech. For most people, talking is their biggest fear. Your adrenaline is pumping, your palms are sweaty, and your stomach is turning.
Facing that fear and giving a good speech is a loss of credibility. It’s like running a marathon, except most people don’t freak out before a marathon.
If you perform regularly, it’s even more important to take care of yourself. Speakers and trainers are often generous people, so we tend to take care of others and leave nothing for ourselves.
If you suffer from speaker burnout, try these three simple steps:
1) Refill your kettle. Today’s workplace can be very stressful. Think of a teapot. If you constantly pour tea, eventually the kettle will be empty. There will be nothing left to give. Therefore, you need to take steps to fill your boat. How can you do that? Engage in activities you enjoy and find rewarding: Reading a good novel, watching a great movie, or spending time with friends can help you recharge.
2) Exercise: Physical exercise can keep you rejuvenated. Work out in the gym or enjoy a refreshing walk in the countryside. Physical activity can be rejuvenating.
3) Diet: At my old workplace, we used to joke that the top three office drugs were caffeine, Tylenol, and Tums antacids. In fact, I used to drink six cans of soda a day and eat chocolate bars to get up in the afternoon. Needless to say, I felt hyper and irritable. Eating a sensible diet can help give you energy for your next speech.
Bottom line, refilling your kettle, exercising, and paying attention to your diet will help you recharge for your next speech.
© 2009 Reflective Keynotes Inc., Toronto, Canada
