How to Think Fast Before You Speak

Summary

This video teaches how to speak articulately under pressure by explaining how the brain functions during public speaking. It contrasts the conscious brain, responsible for analysis and planning, with the automatic brain, which manages tasks we've practiced. The key to overcoming performance anxiety is shifting from conscious thinking to automatic execution through repetition and focus. Techniques like focusing on breath or body movements help distract the conscious mind, allowing the automatic brain to take over and deliver smooth, confident speeches. The importance of practicing aloud and managing focus is emphasized for effective performance under pressure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the difference between conscious and automatic brain functions. The conscious brain is analytical, while the automatic brain handles well-practiced actions effortlessly.
• 😀 Pressure on stage can cause your conscious brain to take over, leading to forgetfulness and difficulty articulating thoughts. This happens because your brain cannot multitask efficiently under stress.
• 😀 The conscious brain slows you down by overthinking. When you're over-analyzing, you're not in 'flow' state, which hinders your ability to speak naturally and confidently.
• 😀 To perform well under pressure, avoid trying to control every detail. Focus on a single, manageable aspect (e.g., breath, body movements) to keep the conscious mind distracted.
• 😀 Repetition and rehearsal are critical. Saying the words out loud multiple times ensures they become ingrained in your muscle memory and can be delivered automatically when needed.
• 😀 Most people underperform because they don't rehearse their speeches or presentations aloud enough. Repeating your words out loud prepares you for the flow state.
• 😀 Before speaking, it's important to calm your mind and avoid focusing on negative thoughts or external pressures. One way to do this is to distract the conscious mind with something simple like focusing on your breath or a physical action.
• 😀 Using focus strategies such as shifting attention to your breath, body movements, or specific audience members can help keep you in the flow state while speaking.
• 😀 If your mind starts to wander during a presentation, recognize when you're slipping into the conscious brain. Refocus on your chosen point of attention to bring yourself back into flow.
• 😀 Recommended books for further insight: 'This is Your Brain on Sports' by Dr. Alan Goldberg and 'The Inner Game of Tennis'. These books dive deeper into mental strategies for peak performance under pressure.

Q & A

What is the main problem faced when speaking under pressure?

The main problem is that the conscious brain becomes overwhelmed with analysis and evaluation, which interferes with articulating thoughts effectively. This leads to forgetting prepared material and feeling nervous.

What are the two main components of the brain discussed in the script?

The two main components are the conscious brain and the automatic brain. The conscious brain is responsible for analysis and planning, while the automatic brain handles tasks you’ve practiced and can perform without thinking.

How does the conscious brain hinder effective speaking under pressure?

The conscious brain is slow and evaluative. When you try to speak while analyzing everything (like thinking about your slides or what people are thinking), it uses too much cognitive energy and causes you to blank out or lose your flow.

What is the role of the automatic brain in speaking under pressure?

The automatic brain allows you to perform tasks smoothly and without thinking, as long as they’ve been practiced enough. It’s essential for speaking articulately because it helps you recall and communicate information fluidly.

Why is repetition crucial before a presentation or speaking engagement?

Repetition helps you internalize the material and commit it to muscle memory, allowing you to speak without needing to consciously analyze or memorize each part. The more you rehearse, the more the material moves into the automatic brain.

What happens when you step on stage unprepared?

When unprepared, your conscious brain takes over because it hasn’t had enough rehearsal, making you overly analytical. This results in nervousness and difficulty articulating thoughts, as the brain is not in automatic mode.

What techniques can help distract the conscious brain to improve focus during a presentation?

You can focus on one simple task, like your breath, body movements, or even the words you’re speaking. This distracts the conscious brain, allowing you to perform automatically and speak fluently.

What is ‘Flow State’ and how is it relevant to speaking under pressure?

Flow State occurs when you’re fully immersed in an activity, such as speaking, without consciously thinking about it. In this state, your automatic brain takes over, allowing you to perform effortlessly and articulate your thoughts clearly.

What is the recommended strategy when anxiety or distractions occur during a presentation?

If distractions or anxiety occur, you need to recognize when your conscious brain takes over and refocus on your chosen point of focus, like your breath or body movements. This helps bring you back to Flow State and prevents overthinking.

What are some effective pre-presentation activities to calm your mind and prepare for Flow State?

Some pre-presentation activities include focusing on your breathing, playing a game on your phone, or engaging in a small physical task, like wiggling your toes. These activities distract the conscious mind and prepare you to speak in Flow State once you’re on stage.