Breathing exercises

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of public speaking, as it provides us with the necessary support to project our voice, control the rhythm of the speech and maintain calm during a presentation. In this session, we will explore the importance of breathing exercises and present some effective techniques to improve our breathing capacity and optimize our oral expression.

The relationship between breathing and public speaking: Proper breathing is essential for effective oral communication. By taking deep, controlled breaths, we can optimize the flow of air into the lungs, allowing us to project our voice effortlessly and maintain a steady, clear tone. In addition, conscious breathing helps us to relax and remain calm, reducing nervousness and improving our performance in public speaking situations.

Diaphragmatic breathing techniques: Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that allows us to make the most of our lung capacity and control the amount and flow of air during public speaking. To practice it, sit or stand with your back straight and place one hand on your abdomen. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your abdomen expand and the air fill your lungs. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen contract. Repeat this exercise several times, concentrating on maintaining deep, controlled breathing.

Breathing and relaxation exercises: In addition to improving breathing capacity, breathing exercises can also help us relax and release tension before a presentation. One effective technique is deep breathing combined with progressive muscle relaxation. Start by inhaling deeply, tensing the muscles throughout your body. Then, exhale slowly while relaxing all the muscles, starting with your feet and gradually moving up to your head. Repeat this exercise several times to relieve tension and prepare yourself mentally and physically for public speaking.

Rhythm and breath control are key elements in public speaking. Practicing rhythmic breathing exercises can help us maintain a steady, flowing rhythm during our presentation. One effective technique is to mentally count as you inhale and exhale, making sure that the duration of each phase of breathing is balanced. For example, you can inhale for a count of four, and then e