The surprising secret to speaking with confidence | Caroline Goyder | TEDxBrixton

TEDx Talks
25 Nov 201418:55
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker shares insights on building inner confidence through the power of voice and breath control. By treating the voice as an instrument that improves with practice, individuals can overcome anxiety and enhance their speaking abilities. The importance of diaphragm breathing is highlighted as a means to achieve a relaxed and confident presence. Ultimately, the message conveyed is that by mastering breath, one can speak with not only skill but also heartfelt emotion.

Takeaways
  • πŸ‘€ The importance of eye contact and connection in communication, as it signifies a moment of collision between speaker and audience.
  • πŸ” Recognizing that confidence varies among individuals; some are naturally confident while others may struggle with it.
  • 🌟 The concept that confidence is not external but internal, and can be found by looking within oneself.
  • πŸ’‘ The idea of opening 'new drawers in the self' as a metaphor for self-discovery and personal growth.
  • 🎸 Viewing the voice as an instrument that can be improved with practice, challenging the notion of a 'bad voice'.
  • 🎀 The historical example of Demosthenes, illustrating that even the greatest orators had to overcome challenges and practice diligently.
  • 🎡 The recommendation to practice singing as a method to improve one's voice and confidence in speaking.
  • 🧘 The significance of breath control and diaphragm use in managing nervousness and projecting confidence.
  • πŸ•ŠοΈ The powerful impact of breathing exercises in calming the mind and accessing inner confidence.
  • πŸ’Œ A personal story highlighting the application of breathing techniques in difficult and emotional speaking situations.
  • 🌱 The overarching message that understanding and controlling one's breath can lead to enhanced confidence and more effective communication.
Q & A
  • What is the main theme of the speech?

    -The main theme of the speech is about finding confidence within oneself, particularly in the context of public speaking and voice control.

  • How does the speaker describe the feeling ofθ‚ΎδΈŠθ…Ίη΄  when looking at the audience?

    -The speaker describes the feeling of adrenaline as 'accelerating molecules' that hit the brain when their eyes collide with the audience's, creating a sense of excitement and nervousness.

  • What was the speaker's initial experience when speaking at Central Hall?

    -The speaker's initial experience at Central Hall was disastrous, with everything that could go wrong happening, including speaking too fast, losing words, and the microphone breaking.

  • What did the speaker learn about confidence from the story of Demosthenes?

    -The speaker learned that practice is the key to gaining confidence and improving one's skills, as demonstrated by Demosthenes' transformation from a poor speaker to one of the greatest orators through dedicated practice.

  • How does the speaker suggest we should practice our voice?

    -The speaker suggests practicing our voice by singing every day, in places like the shower, car, or even on public transportation if one feels brave.

  • What role does the diaphragm play in confidence and public speaking?

    -The diaphragm plays a crucial role in confidence and public speaking as it is the key to regulating our system, calming ourselves down, and providing a relaxed, confident demeanor.

  • What technique does the speaker recommend to engage the diaphragm during breathing?

    -The speaker recommends placing a thumb below the bra strap or collarbone and practicing breathing by pushing the thumb away when inhaling and pushing it back when exhaling to engage the diaphragm.

  • Why is breath considered important in controlling our voice and confidence?

    -Breath is considered important because it is through breath that we express our thoughts and emotions. Controlling one's breath can help control the voice and convey the intended emotions with confidence.

  • What does the speaker suggest is the 'big secret' to confidence in speech?

    -The 'big secret' to confidence in speech, as suggested by the speaker, is understanding the connection between breath and thought, and using this knowledge to control the voice and convey emotions effectively.

  • How does the speaker relate the concept of breath to moments of speaking for others?

    -The speaker relates the concept of breath to moments of speaking for others by emphasizing that in situations like weddings or eulogies, controlling one's breath can help channel the intended emotions and deliver a heartfelt speech.

  • What is the significance of the Latin root of 'inspiration' and 'respiration' in the context of the speech?

    -The significance of the Latin root of 'inspiration' and 'respiration' is that it underscores the idea that our breath is intrinsically linked to our thoughts, emphasizing the importance of breath control in speech and expression.

Outlines
00:00
🎀 Embracing the Moment and Finding Confidence

The speaker begins by acknowledging the energy and friendliness of the audience, expressing gratitude for their presence. She then transitions into discussing the concept of confidence, particularly in relation to public speaking and voice. The speaker shares her own experiences as a voice coach, including a particularly challenging moment at Central Hall. She emphasizes the importance of looking inward to find confidence and sets the stage for the lessons to be shared in the following paragraphs.

05:03
🎢 The Voice as an Instrument and the Power of Practice

In this paragraph, the speaker delves into the idea that the voice is an instrument that can be honed and improved with practice. She encourages the audience to think about their voice as a unique tool and challenges common negative perceptions about one's own voice. The speaker shares the story of Demosthenes, an Ancient Greek orator, to illustrate the transformative power of practice and determination. She suggests that singing is an effective way to practice and improve one's voice, advocating for its incorporation into daily life.

10:03
πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ The Role of Breathing and the Diaphragm in Confidence

The speaker discusses the significance of breath and diaphragm control in achieving a confident demeanor. She explains how relaxed breathing patterns can project confidence and control, drawing parallels with actors and public figures. The speaker introduces the diaphragm as the 'king of confidence' and provides a practical exercise for the audience to feel and understand its role in breathing. She emphasizes the importance of diaphragm breathing in managing stress and maintaining composure in front of an audience.

15:07
πŸ’¬ The Connection Between Breath, Thought, and Speech

In the final paragraph, the speaker reveals the third and most impactful lesson about the interconnectedness of breath, thought, and speech. She shares a poignant story of a woman who had to speak at her husband's eulogy, highlighting how the skills of controlled breathing can be applied in deeply emotional situations. The speaker explains that by focusing on the in-breath, one can infuse their speech with the intended emotions. She concludes with the insight that inspiration and respiration share the same root, emphasizing the ancient wisdom of controlling one's breath as a means to control one's voice and convey thoughts with confidence.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Confidence
Confidence refers to a feeling of self-assurance and belief in one's own abilities. In the context of the video, it is the central theme, emphasizing the importance of finding and nurturing inner confidence. The speaker shares personal experiences and strategies for building confidence, such as practicing voice and controlling breathing, which are crucial for effective communication and overcoming anxiety.
πŸ’‘Voice Coach
A voice coach is a professional who helps individuals improve their vocal skills, often focusing on aspects like pitch, tone, articulation, and vocal health. In the video, the speaker is a voice coach who shares insights on how to use the voice as an instrument and the importance of practice in developing confidence and effective communication skills.
πŸ’‘Adrenaline
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and neurotransmitter that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response. In the video, the speaker describes the feeling of adrenaline as a rush of energy when facing an audience, which can lead to nervousness or excitement. Learning to manage this adrenaline rush is key to maintaining composure and delivering a confident performance.
πŸ’‘Practice
Practice refers to the act of repeatedly performing an activity to improve or maintain one's skills. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the power of practice in developing confidence and mastery over one's voice. By consistently practicing, individuals can overcome fears and improve their ability to communicate effectively.
πŸ’‘Demosthenes
Demosthenes was an ancient Greek statesman and orator who is known for his efforts to improve his speaking skills through rigorous practice. In the video, the speaker references Demosthenes' story as an example of how dedication and practice can transform someone from a poor speaker into one of the greatest orators in history.
πŸ’‘Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that plays a crucial role in the breathing process. In the context of the video, the speaker highlights the importance of diaphragmatic breathing for calming the nervous system and enhancing confidence. By engaging the diaphragm during breathing, individuals can achieve a more relaxed and controlled breath, which in turn aids in public speaking and performance.
πŸ’‘Breathing
Breathing is the process of inhaling and exhaling air, which is essential for life and plays a significant role in managing stress and anxiety. In the video, the speaker discusses the importance of controlled, diaphragmatic breathing as a tool for gaining confidence and delivering powerful speeches. Proper breathing techniques can help individuals stay calm and focused under pressure.
πŸ’‘Inner Confidence
Inner confidence refers to a deep-seated belief in one's own worth and abilities, which is not necessarily dependent on external validation. In the video, the speaker explores the concept of inner confidence and how it can be cultivated through self-awareness and practice. This inner confidence is what allows individuals to perform effectively, even when faced with challenges or uncertainty.
πŸ’‘Public Speaking
Public speaking is the act of addressing an audience, typically to inform, persuade, or entertain. In the video, the speaker discusses the challenges and anxieties associated with public speaking and offers strategies for overcoming these fears, such as practicing voice exercises and focusing on diaphragmatic breathing to enhance confidence and delivery.
πŸ’‘Expression
Expression refers to the process of conveying thoughts, emotions, or ideas through communication, often using voice and body language. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of expressive voice and body language in public speaking, arguing that it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a speech and the speaker's perceived confidence.
πŸ’‘Chest of Drawers
In the video, the 'Chest of Drawers' is a metaphorical object that symbolizes the different aspects of confidence that the speaker aims to 'open' and explore. It serves as a creative and visual way to present the three key lessons or 'secrets' for finding confidence within oneself. The physical object of the chest of drawers, made by a craftsman, adds a tangible and interactive element to the presentation.
Highlights

The importance of confidence and how it can be found within oneself.

The analogy of the audience's gaze and feeling of judgment as a source of anxiety for some individuals.

The concept of finding confidence by looking within oneself, or 'under the bonnet'.

The personal story of the speaker's challenging experience as a rookie voice coach at Central Hall.

The realization that confidence is not about external appearances but internal 'visceral stuff'.

The idea of opening new drawers in the self, inspired by director Peter Brook.

The significance of the voice as an instrument that can be improved with practice.

The historical example of Demosthenes, an Ancient Greek orator, who overcame his initial failure through dedicated practice.

The suggestion to practice singing as a method to improve one's voice and confidence.

The question posed to the audience about identifying the most confident person in a room, and the connection to relaxed breathing patterns.

The explanation of the diaphragm's role in controlling the body's system and its importance in confidence.

The technique of using the diaphragm for confident breathing, including the exercise with a thumb.

The third and most impactful lesson about the power of breath and its connection to thought and speech.

The emotional story of a woman who had to speak at her husband's eulogy and how she found strength through the techniques taught.

The profound insight that in moments of speaking for others, the skills of controlled breathing and finding inner confidence are crucial.

The Latin root of inspiration and respiration, emphasizing that thoughts are breathed and thus can be controlled.

The key takeaway: knowing when to shut your mouth is the secret to confident speech.

Transcripts
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: