My brain shut down…
Last night, we had a guest over.
A colleague who works with my husband, whom I was meeting for the first time. We were having a friendly chat, but it had been a long day, and I was very tired.
At 9:00 PM, I was ready for bed, but the evening was not ending anytime soon. The conversation shifted to what I do for a living, a topic I can usually easily address.
But my brain had already shut off.
I couldn’t think of what I wanted to say or connect those thoughts to my mouth. I squeaked out some response.
But I felt inadequate.
The following morning, my brain recharged after a long enough night's sleep. I remembered what I do for a living – ha! Frustrating that I had come off so weak.
Would a framework have helped? Probably so. Read below.
Here's what you'll find here:
Tip of the Week
Speaking in Sync with Your Rhythm
How to Speak Well When Tired
Mantra of the Week
01. Tip of the Week
Harnessing Your Speaking Rhythm: Match Your Circadian Peak
Did you know that your body's internal clock affects your cognitive abilities, including speaking? Identify your circadian rhythm's peak – when you're most alert and focused – and schedule important conversations or presentations during this window. It's a simple yet effective way to maximize your impact.
02. Speaking in Sync with Your Rhythm
Circadian rhythms determine the daily cycles of sleep, mood, and cognition that vary depending on an individual’s chronotype (i.e., whether they are early birds or night owls). This means that people may perform better or worse at speaking tasks depending on the time of day and personal preferences. But the question remains: How can I speak well at any time?
Research shows people are more effective at analytic tasks during peak alertness times and more creative during off-peak times.
This suggests that, if you can, speak at a time that matches your goal and audience, whether to deliver a logical argument or a novel idea.
For example, when responding to a question about what you do, when your brain is mushy, do this:
Don’t worry about trying to regurgitate a flawless resume; instead, simply story tell. Talk about how someone benefited from your work, how you feel about what you do, or what inspires you.
Feeling anxious and nervous about speaking?
This may help:
Circadian rhythms also regulate stress and anxiety. Speaking in public can be anxiety-inducing. Research suggests that addressing an audience during periods of optimal alertness may help regulate stress response and reduce anxiety, leading to more composed and confident presentations.
03. How to Speak Well When Tired
Consider these tips to ace your talking game even when you're feeling a bit worn out.
Prep Like a Pro: If you know the low-energy zone is looming, prep beforehand. Line up your points and jot down cues – it's your conversational cheat sheet.
Pause Power: Tap into the art of the pause. It's like a brain pit stop – collect your thoughts, avoid verbal roadblocks, and let your audience digest your brilliance.
Body Language Rules: Body language will save the day if words stumble. Stand tall, make eye contact, and throw in some expressive gestures. And, even if it’s all you can muster – smile. A dash of enthusiasm makes words dance and perks you and your audience.
Honesty's Cool: If it's a casual vibe, let them in on the fatigue factor. We’ve all been there, and honesty's a buddy-builder.
04. Mantra of the Week
I'm in tune with time, my words flow easily.
I honor my rhythm and speak with power.