Yoga for Public Speaking
Amy Love & Kera Coyer

Today’s agenda
• The basics: yoga and public speaking
• Simple stretches, focus on posture and body language
• Breathing techniques, pace/speaking techniques
• Mind-body connection, staying grounded while speaking
• Visualization, preparing and building confidence

What do yoga and public speaking have in common?
Both require commitment & focus

What do yoga and public speaking have in common?
Both require ongoing practice for growth & improvement

What do yoga and public speaking have in common?
Both require steady, regular breathing & focused pauses

What do yoga and public speaking have in common?
Both benefit from proper posture
– how you hold your body affects your yoga practice & how your message is received

Why yoga?
• Reduces anxiety
• Improves posture and flexibility
• Helps with mind-body connection
• Lowers stress levels

Why yoga?
• Allows you to focus your attention
• Grounds you
• Raises self awareness

Yoga isn’t just poses!
• Breathing exercises
• Meditation/relaxation techniques

Breathing Exercises
• Guided activity
• Tips to remember:

Breath and Speaking
• Your breathing affects your pace
• Pauses can: allow you time to regroup, give your listeners time to international info and ask questions

Posture Exercises
• Guided activity
• Tips to remember:

Posture and Speaking
• Your posture projects a mood
• Good posture allows you to use gestures and body language
• Don’t forget lectern pitfalls

Mindfulness and Speaking
• Guided activity
• Tips to remember:

Mindfulness and Speaking
• Take the time to prepare & practice your speech in advance
• Think about your audience & location
• Ask for feedback from a friend
• Anticipate problems

Conclusion
• Both yoga and public speaking are daily practices!
• Community resources:
– Valencia yoga classes
– Toastmasters International