By Diane Wolf
Copyright 2019
One of the most exciting developments in the field of neuroscience in the last 30 years or so has been the discovery of the concept of neuroplasticity. When I studied neurophysiology in the 1980s, it was common knowledge that once brain cells (neurons) die, that is it. If there is damage to one part of the brain, it was considered permanent. Since neurons could not regenerate, that part of the brain could not recover from damage.
The concept of neuroplasticity basically says that while it is true that individual neurons do not regenerate, the brain IS capable of paving new neuronal pathways. Imagine that there is a road block on the only road between point A and point B, and that roadblock cannot be removed. Prior to the 1990s, it would have been assumed that point B was now completely cut-off. Neuroplasticity says ‘wait! We can build a new road through the forest and still get to point B! The road might not be as smooth as the old road, but it can become smoother over time, and it can re-connect points A and B.
Okay, excuse the science lesson (yes, I’m a brain science nerd), but this is great news for so many different purposes! And the one I’m going to talk about today, is how you can train your brain to create those new pathways that will make it easier and easier to navigate to your goals.
Do you remember learning how to drive a car? I still do, and it’s over 40 years ago! I remember sitting in the driver’s seat thinking “I am NEVER going to remember to signal, check my blind spot, AND step on the gas or brakes at the same time!!! Impossible” Well, fast forward, and I’ve driven all over North America and Europe, often in rental cars that were completely unfamiliar, and I’ve never had a problem. I have even driven in the UK, on the left side of the road! “(Okay, that WAS a bit daunting)” The point is, the more often we do something, the smoother the road is that we are paving, and the easier and more naturally we can carry out the task. Practice paves pathways! (say that three times quickly!)
So, how is this related to our ability to communicate with confidence? Just like driving a car, there are a number of things we need to be able to do seamlessly and simultaneously, and when we first start, it can seem impossible. But we need to trust that our brain WILL pave those pathways so that it becomes easier and easier to move down them with minimal bumps. The secret is to keep working on each one of these skills until we are able to put them all together. Here are the basic skills we need to mix together to communicate with confidence:
- Harness
nervous energy
- Proper breathing
- Relaxation techniques
- Avoidance of stimulants
- Stay hydrated
- Get enough rest
- Release pent-up energy
- Use the 5 P’s of your Power Voice effectively
Pace
Pause
Pitch
Posture
Projection
- Aim for excellence, not perfection.
It’s amazing how letting go of the need to be perfect can go a long way in helping you to look, sound, and feel more confident!