Meditation for Public Speaking

Ten Tips

1. Choose to use one of two meditation techniques: either pick something to focus on, such as your breathing (feel it going throughout your body, become totally aware of the sensations), or choose to try to clear your mind of everything. Each type of meditation has its own benefits. Having a 'center' helps with focus, clearing your mind helps with relaxation.
2. Keep a pen and paper nearby. New and creative ideas will often surface when your conscious is cleared and your subconscious is free to process.
3. Try to meditate for at least ten minutes. This is usually the minimum amount required to entirely quell the background chatter in your mind.
   
4. Avoid interruptions. Regaining focus sometimes almost requires starting over.
   
5. Sit erect, don't slouch, but allow your body to relax. Any muscle tension will detract from focus and/or relaxation.
   
6. When any undesired thoughts intrude, imagine a cloud above you. Let the thought into the cloud, and then the wind gently blows the cloud away.
   
7. Try to set aside a specific time each day for meditation. The routine will aid relaxation and focus.
   
8. Don't eat too heavily before meditating. The blood flowing to your stomach will make you more tired (because its not going to your brain), and you might feel sluggish and unfocused.
9. Be consistent. Ten minutes every day beats one hour once a week.
   
10. When you go to give a speech, mentally recreate your meditative state. After practice, you should be able to enter into it with ease to overcome nervousness or distraction.