When delivering a presentation, or sharing your view in a meeting - the pressure is ON. You have to show up for yourself, get the ideas out in good order - no stumbles, no panic. Calmly confident.

But then reality kicks in. Or more specifically, your physiology. Your voice goes shaky, your mouth dry, your face feels prickly with heat - in this situation, and much to your credit - you still manage to press on, but only just.

Now most people will be kind. They will congratulate you on a good job. They will see the positives. Because THEY KNOW it takes courage to speak up. 

But at the same time, it feels like such hard work doesn't it? Easier to take evasive action, play the supporting role and minimise exposure to this. Far less hassle. 

However, if you are ready to take charge, and open your career up to the limitless possibilities on the other side - help is at hand. 

How would it feel to make contributions at higher level, to share your ideas from a position of calmness, and clarity - with no more brain fog or freezing?

Fantastic! Right?

Ok. So here's what to do, to step towards that future.

There are 5 elements we consider in the OS system, in order to make your voice heard - and at first you MUST focus on the first two, Breathing and Awareness.

Breathing before, and during your talk - sounds simple but this is the primary thing that people skip. Reframe the act as being part of your speaking, and claim that time before you start. Then introduce plenty of 'captain's pauses' to breathe, slow your delivery, increase the impact of the points you are making, and hold the room's attention. We practice this in the group sessions, and it's amazing how quickly this beds in and becomes natural.

The awareness piece is simply about qualifying the room's attention and understanding it. The difference in atmosphere can feel uncomfortable, when all those eyes are on you, which is why your body will react as if you are exposed and in danger. 

The trick is not to fight it, but rather to understand that the attention is mostly neutral and usually somewhat positive. Do not resist it. Once you've reframed things in that way, you will feel much more planted, more secure, and more able to express yourself freely.

Then you can sharpen up on the next Elements: those of Content, Presence and Delivery.