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This is the fourth article in a series covering six steps you can take that will give you more confidence and physical power.

Step Three: Take a Deep Breath When I was nine years old I learned several life lessons from Coach “Motor Mouth” Nichols. One in particular that has stuck with me all these years; “Gould” he started, “you gotta BREATHE boy!” He was teaching me how to shoot free throws, the shot a basketball player gets to take when he’s been fouled. The fouled player stands at a line fifteen-feet from the basket and gets to shoot while all the other players stand on the side waiting for the shot. Sounds a lot like a networking self-introduction doesn’t it?

If you watch professional basketball players prepare to shoot free throws, you’ll notice that each player has his or her own special style. Mannerisms, number of times they dribble the ball, and amount of time they take are all as unique as the player themselves. However, every player will eventually take the ball in their hands and take a very deep breath just before shooting the ball. Every one, every time. Why? Coach Nichols told me that shooting foul shots is the only place in the game where you get to consciously think before you act. Most of the time the game is moving so fast you just have to instinctively act. Those with the best instincts win, the others are just reacting to the action. “Son, you want this to be your very best effort, so clear your mind” he said.

Taking a deep breath clears your mind because you’ve added extra oxygen to your lungs and thereby your bloodstream. Oxygen in the brain has a calming effect and will erase those butterflies or jitters you’re bound to be feeling. Taking a deep breath also gives you the “it’s showtime” cue. You know that you’re about to perform and the adrenaline rush you’re feeling is being harnessed. Of course, this deep breath will also power the words you’re about to say.

All too often people who give their self-introduction cannot be heard. Often this is due to a lack of sufficient air in their lungs to power their voice. You can avoid this problem, give yourself a cue, and calm your nerves with one simple step: Take a deep breath.

In our next article we will discuss step five: Lean Forward. Taking a deep breath is essential to delivering your message. It is just one of six steps necessary to plan for in your physical appearance and to give you the confidence to focus on your message knowing that you appear to be confident and in control.

Glen Gould is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of numerous audio programs and books including Meet Me At Starbucks. The founder of Inspiration Agents, Inc., Glen is a business growth and networking expert who works with Fortune 100 companies and chambers of commerce to grow their business through effective systems and word of mouth marketing. He is a regular contributor to numerous publications including The National Networker (http://www.thenationalnetworker.com) and co-hosts The Natural Networker Radio Show. Visit http://www.InspirationAgents.com to learn more.

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