The Benefits of Deep Breathing

Diaphragmatic or "belly" breathing is the preferred method of breathing for speech. It calms and centers you, improves your focus, and helps give you a strong well-supported sound. Learn this type of breathing to improve your public speaking! Here's a helpful video, along with the description that follows.


Our breathing occurs unconsciously: our lungs expand to take in oxygen and contract to release carbon dioxide waste. We do this by expanding and contracting our diaphragm or raising and lowering our ribs to increase or decrease the content of the chest cavity. If you discover the powers of the more consciously-controlled deep belly breathing, you can, with practice, force out more carbon dioxide waste with each breath. Watch this video to learn the technique of deep breathing!

Dr. Gary Genard's related articles on this topic:

Energize Your Public Speaking - The Simple Art of Breathing

Your Voice and Leadership: Two Secrets to Achieving Presence and Charisma

To Conquer Fear of Public Speaking Here's True Inspiration