‘Cool as a

Cucumber’ Plan
De-Stress
In the lead up: Visualisation: Close your eyes and visualise
yourself giving a successful presentation. Imagine the positive
6
reactions from your audience. This mental rehearsal can
boost confidence.
sevreN ruoY mlaC

The Physiological Sigh: Breathing Exercise. Double inhale and

7 long exhale is the fastest way to calm down. Based in
Neuroscience. Do this 10 minutes before your talk.

Power Pose: Strike a power pose in private for a minute or two.

8 Standing tall with your arms on your hips can increase
feelings of confidence. Do this 10 minutes before your talk.

Chew Gum: Chewing gum discreetly before your presentation

can help reduce stress and anxiety. It‘ s a simple trick that can
9 help your nerves. The act of chewing involves repetitive
rhythmic movement of the jaw. This physical action can be
calming and soothing.

Humming Exercise: Humming at a low pitch can relax your

10 vocal chords and reduce anxiety. It’ s a discreet way to ease
tension in your throat
Practise in the days leading up to, and 10
minutes before your speech.
The 5-Step ‘Cool as a Cucumber’ Plan

Process
Visualisation

The Physiological
Hum
Sigh

Strike a Power
Chew Gum
Pose

Process Visualisation: envisioning every step toward the desired

outcome. With all the senses engaged.
Outcome Visualisation: envisioning the outcome or endpoint.
(utilising the two together yields the best results)
• Sit quietly, eyes closed and see yourself moving through all
parts of your speech successfully step by step from start to
finish.
 • See, feel, smell, and touch it as you imagine a wildly successful
presentation where you are congratulated and receive positive
feedback from your peers, colleagues and patients.

Athletes like James LeBron and Michael Phelps did this

before their games and swimming races. Why? Because it
works!

The Physiological Sigh:

Power Pose:
 Karen Bacon Speak English Like A Pro
karenbacon.com

To be cool, calm and

collected before your
presentation helps to project
your voice forward to your
audience in a confident
manner. These exercises are
designed specifically to do
this while also calming the
sympathetic nervous system.

Hi, I’m Karen and I’m Contact Me Here

here to help you. I’m a
certified, experienced
EFL Coach with a
nursing and small
business background.
I specialise in
speaking, and clinical
communication for
Health professionals.