Breathe Your Way to Communication Confidence: The Secret Weapon You've Had All Along
Breathe!
Have you ever noticed how a deep breath can change everything?
The way we breathe can significantly impact our wellbeing. It’s something we do every moment of our lives, taking about 20,000 breaths per day. That's 20,000 chances to fuel your confidence, reduce stress, and supercharge your communication skills! Yet most of us pay zero attention to this incredible built- in power tool.
The problem is we all lose our natural way of breathing at about the age of six when we go to school. We’re then told to sit still in class for long periods of time, which affects our breathing meaning we start to breathe more shallowly. This is in contrast to when we were babies and toddlers and could scream for hours without losing our voice because we were pushing the air out from our diaphragm.
Your diaphragm isn't just any muscle—it's the second largest in your body, and is essential for a rooted, projected voice. Deep breathing from here also leads to maximum oxygen absorption in the body so that the body and brain are kept energised and fully oxygenated, which keeps them functioning effectively and flexibly. This means, our cells and organs are fuelled and we have increased focus, cognitive function, and memory.
Did you ever notice how your shoulders creep up toward your ears during a stressful meeting? Or how your breath gets shallow when you're about to speak to a group for the first time? Take 5 seconds right now to notice - are your shoulders relaxed or up round your ears as you read this?
Here’s a bookmark
School taught us to sit still for HOURS, a skill many of us unknowingly carried into boardroom meetings and workplaces. But our bodies weren't designed to be so sedentary — it’s a communication disaster in the making! Your voice, presence, and confidence all depend on proper breathing support.
The result? Poor posture that leads to shallow breathing, which creates a cycle of tension in the back and neck, further restricting breath. Without realising the effect, we slump in our seats, our collapsed core muscles compressing the diaphragm, resulting in shallow, ineffective breathing.
So if we’re stressed, the first thing we should do is correct our posture and connect with our deep diaphragmatic breathing to activate our parasympathetic nervous system, calming our mind and body.
Each time you notice that you’re breathing shallowly, take 60 seconds to reset with deep diaphragmatic breaths.
Try this simple exercise
Lie on the floor (or sit with feet planted firmly)
Place a book on your stomach (or your hand if sitting) Breathe out completely
Now follow the 4-4-4-4 patterns:
Inhale for 4 counts (watch that book rise!) Hold for 4 counts
Exhale for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Repeat 4 times
Notice how your communication changes when you're properly oxygenated. Feel the confidence difference. Experience the stress melting away. This is your go-to exercise when stresses come in!
