May 28, 2023
Wait, gratitude exercises for public speaking? Sounds strange, right? We usually associate gratitude with personal growth and happiness. But guess what? Practicing gratitude can also turn you into a confident and captivating speaker!
You see, when we step onto that stage, nerves can take over and our minds start racing with self-doubt. It’s a common experience that most people can relate to. But here’s where gratitude comes to the rescue.
By incorporating gratitude into your daily routine, you can shift your mindset from anxious to comfortable, from self-conscious to connected. It’s like a magic potion for transforming your speaking abilities.
When you practice gratitude, you start appreciating the opportunity to speak in front of others. You become aware of the positive impact you can have on your audience. This shift in perspective allows you to speak from a place of authenticity and gratitude, creating a powerful connection that captivates your listeners.
In this article, I’ll unveil 7 incredible gratitude exercises to become an even more impactful speaker.
In this exercise, you’ll make a list of numerous things you’re grateful for, one after another. Set a timer for at least a minute (or ideally more) and let the gratitude flow as you jot down all the things that come to mind.
You can choose a specific topic or theme like your body, finances, relationships, or simply go with whatever pops into your head. Anything that sparks gratitude within you is fair game.
You might appreciate the roof over your head, the clothes you’re wearing, the food in your fridge, the air you breathe, your beating heart, your eyesight, your digestive system doing its thing, your legs, your feet firmly planted on the ground, the ability to read, your favorite book, your beloved hobby, your best friend, your mom, or even your furry companion. You can even be thankful for that fly buzzing around your room, reminding you of how fortunate you are to be human and not a fly. Whether it’s something small or monumental, everything counts.
Similar to the first exercise, but this time you’ll involve another person. Grab your phone, open up a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger, and record a heartfelt message expressing the things you’re grateful for. Then, send it to a friend. The length can range from 60 seconds to 5 minutes, depending on how inspired you feel that day.
For instance, I have a WhatsApp group with my dear friend Damian, and every day we exchange voice messages sharing the things we’re grateful for. It could be anything that comes to mind in the moment, whether big or small, present or past. Sometimes I start the exchange, sometimes he does. His messages often inspire me, make me laugh, or simply bring joy. It’s all about having fun with it.
The key is to aim for daily practice. It helps to choose a trustworthy person who will stick with it, as they can hold you accountable and make the experience even more rewarding.
In the previous exercises, you focused on a variety of different things you’re grateful for. But now, it’s time to zoom in on one specific thing, person, or object.
I often do this exercise with people. I pick someone and reflect on all the things I appreciate about them. It’s especially helpful when I notice I’m holding grudges or negative emotions towards someone. In those moments, I deliberately shift my focus to the aspects I genuinely appreciate about that person. It can be challenging when negative emotions are present, but this exercise serves as a powerful tool for releasing and transforming those emotions.
Of course, you can also apply this exercise to people or objects that bring a smile to your face, where only positive emotions exist.
Here’s where pen meets paper (or fingers meet keyboard). Write a heartfelt gratitude letter to someone who has positively impacted your life. It could be a friend, a family member, a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, or even a stranger who touched your heart.
In this letter, express your deep gratitude for their presence in your life and how they’ve made a significant difference. Let them know how much you appreciate them.
For instance, a few weeks ago, I sent a gratitude letter to my high school Spanish teacher, Señor Vreden. I expressed how thankful I am for having had him as a teacher. His encouragement and vibrant teaching style played a pivotal role in my decision to move to Latin America back in the day.
This one comes from my coach, Tsikki. It’s a powerful reminder that our lives are not permanent, and each day is incredibly precious.
Every day, take a moment to express gratitude for simply being alive. Remind yourself, “Wow, I can’t believe I’m alive! I have another day to live, love, learn, and experience all that life has to offer. Thank you for granting me another day on this planet.”
It’s a quick exercise, but it packs a punch in raising your energy and fostering appreciation for the gift of life.
This exercise revolves around a simple concept:
Start by finding a jar, box, or any container to hold small notes.
Every day, write down something you’re grateful for on a small piece of paper and place it in the jar. As time passes, the jar fills up with an abundance of gratitude notes. It serves as a visual reminder of all the wonderful things in your life.
Then, on those gloomy or challenging days, reach into your gratitude jar, pull out a few notes, and read them aloud. Let them remind you of the beauty and blessings that surround you.
Have you ever thought about using a rock to practice gratitude? Probably not.
Here’s how it works:
First, find a rock that resonates with you. It could be one you picked up from a special place, one with an intriguing texture, or even an ordinary rock from your backyard. The choice is yours.
Carry this gratitude rock with you throughout the day, keeping it in your pocket.
Whenever you sit down, take the rock out and place it beside you. As you see or touch it, take a moment to think of one thing you’re grateful for. It could be something as small as the birds chirping or as significant as having a job you love.
At the end of the day, reflect on your rock and recall the moments of gratitude you experienced throughout the day.
Practicing gratitude can be a game-changer for becoming a better public speaker. By incorporating gratitude exercises into your daily routine, you can shift your mindset, boost your confidence, and foster a genuine connection with your audience..
But remember, it’s not just about going through the motions or creating a checklist of things you’re grateful for. The real magic happens when you dive deep into the emotions that gratitude evokes. Feel the joy, love, and fulfillment as you express gratitude for the things and people that matter to you.
So, embrace these gratitude exercises as tools in your public speaking journey. Let gratitude become your superpower, transforming nerves into confidence, and disconnect into genuine connection. As you practice gratitude, you’ll discover a new level of impact and authenticity in your speeches.
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