Speaker anxiety is alive and well.

Even in this age of AI everything that’s supposed to simplify, aggregate and answer all your queries, you still have to present your presentations.

Your goal is to appear comfortable, confident and clear while embracing your fears of public speaking.

Today I offer a science-backed surprise element that can help you get your stomach butterflies to fly in formation.

🎵  The Solution

Sing. If you already sing, sing more.

Why? There are direct ties between singing and stress reduction.

Plus, it’s fun.

🎵  The Science

Studies note that singing lowers cardiovascular stress, increases Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and acts like a physical “brake pedal” for your fight-or-flight response which lowers your baseline cortisol levels,

Singing creates a resonance between your heart rate and your respiratory system.

Jillian Mitchell, a vocal coach, writes that singing strengthens your voice, builds breath support, sharpens your articulation, expands your vocal range, improves pitch control and builds stamina.

Mitchell hums, “If speaking is walking, singing is running, and running makes you a stronger walker.”

🎵  The Anecdotal Science

My walking buddy, Judy, measures her stress levels using her Apple watch. She noticed that on the days she spends with her grandkids her stress levels are lower. What makes those days calmer? She’s singing with them all the time. Judy figured out the correlation between more singing = less stress. Then she did some research for my blog. Thank you Judy! Keep singing with your precious grandchildren.

🎵  Your Strategy

Feeling nervous? Do the following (and you don’t have to be good!):

• Sing in the shower on the day of your presentation. You can be off pitch!
• Create a playlist and sing along.
• Sing with your buddies, kids, grandchildren, parents or pets.
• Join a choir. Singing in a group triggers even more of the good stuff, endorphins and dopamine.

🎵  The Big Crescendo Payoff

Singing can build your vocal confidence. It gives your brain and your mood a great workout. And best of all, singing to music you love makes you feel good.