Three-Part Speaking Prep

A three-part system for preparing for public speaking or podcasting that combines physical warm-ups, mental preparation, and energy management techniques.

Physical Preparation: The Pencil Technique

• Hold pencil horizontally in mouth, extending past cheeks
• Talk for one minute with pencil in place
• Forces tongue to work harder around obstacle
• Improves enunciation and clarity
• Effectiveness confirmed through before/after recordings
• Learned from Connor McGregor

Energy Management

• Quick physical changes to alter mental state:
  • Push-ups
  • Wind sprints
  • Jumping jacks
  • Screaming
  • Music
• Philosophy: fastest way to change how you feel is through rapid body changes

Tony Robbins' Speaking Preparation Method

• Treat speaking like an athlete preparing for performance
• Avoid common mistakes:
  • Don't stay in low energy state
  • Don't use poor body posture
  • Don't go in "cold" without warming up
• Don't memorize content
  • Memorization creates mental editing
  • Takes you out of the moment
• Mental preparation:
  • Convince yourself audience needs to hear message
  • Focus on serving the audience
  • Believe information is crucial for listeners

Additional Warm-up Techniques

• Talk to people before event
  • Chat with receptionist
  • Converse with Uber driver
• Benefits:
  • Gets you out of your head
  • Starts verbal flow
  • Improves mood
  • Builds momentum before performance