“The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.”
— Mark Hyman
FOR THE MIND
Is Public Speaking Anxiety Holding You Back?
We’ve all experienced some degree of anxiety when it comes to public speaking, whether it’s a presentation for work or a toast at a wedding.
Our brains can play tricks on us, making us feel like we’re in a life-or-death situation when we’re actually just giving a speech.
One of the primary psychological factors that contribute to public speaking anxiety is the fear of being judged.
When we’re standing in front of an audience, we feel exposed and vulnerable, and we worry about being judged or criticized by others. This fear is often rooted in our need for acceptance and approval from others, which can lead to a vicious cycle of self-doubt and anxiety.
To overcome this fear, it’s important to understand that everyone experiences nerves and anxiety when speaking in public, even experienced speakers. It’s not about eliminating the fear altogether, but learning to manage it and channel it in a positive way.
Here are some strategies to help you manage your public speaking anxiety:
- Prepare well: Proper preparation is key to reducing anxiety around public speaking. Spend time researching your topic and practice it over and over again. Pro-tip: Record yourself giving the speech and watch it back to see where you can improve.
- Focus on your breathing: When you feel anxious, your breathing may become shallow and rapid. To calm yourself down, take deep breaths and exhale slowly.
- Challenge negative thoughts: If you’re feeling anxious, your mind may start to fill with negative thoughts such as “I’m going to mess up” or “They’re going to laugh at me.” Challenge these thoughts by reminding yourself of times when you’ve succeeded in the past.
- Practice in front of others and get feedback: Ask a trusted friend or colleague to provide constructive feedback on your speech. This can help you improve your delivery and boost your confidence.
- Get to know your audience: Before your speech, take some time to connect with your audience. Chat with them beforehand or ask questions to get to know them better. This can help you feel more comfortable and connected to your audience.
- Attend public speaking courses or workshops: There are many resources available to help you improve your public speaking skills. Attend a course or workshop to learn new techniques and get feedback on your speaking style.
Public Speaking Resources:
– TedXNelson – The Public Speaking Lesson You Never Had
– Coursera – Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact
– Coursera – Introduction to Public Speaking (by University of Washington)
– The Ultimate Public Speaking Guide
TOGETHER WITH PRIORITY EXPERIENCES
An Exclusive Invite for You 🤫
Get a taste of what Priority Experiences is all about at their first annual Martini Mingle on June 1st at 3 p.m. PT.
Sip on martinis stirred by one of their finest mixologists, Andrew Healy, and learn about who Priority Experiences is and what they do.
They’ll even cover case studies with corporate partners like OneStream Software, Sxysense, and Microsoft, so you can see how you can best utilize their services.
RSVP by Thursday May 25th so you can get your martini kit in time for the event!
👉 RSVP free for the Martini Mingle here
FOR THE BODY
Mobility Exercises: The Key to a Healthy Body
Are you feeling like you’re in a fitness rut and looking for a way to shake things up? Perhaps you’ve heard about mobility exercises and wonder what they’re all about.
Mobility exercises does not mean just stretching. They’re more focused on improving your range of motion and joint flexibility. Unlike other types of exercises that emphasize the number of repetitions or weight lifted, mobility exercises prioritize quality of movement over quantity.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting — some people might assume that mobility exercises are only for the elderly or people with joint issues.
However, this is far from the truth.
Mobility is essential for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It can help reduce the risk of injury, improve posture, and enhance athletic performance.
Here’s an example of a simple mobility exercise: stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and rotate your hips in a circular motion. This can help loosen up your hip joints and improve overall mobility.
Find mobility focused workouts and inspo below:
TOGETHER WITH BONUSLY
Gamify Your System
🔊 Attention all teams!
Bonusly is here to make recognizing and rewarding your coworkers easy and enjoyable.
Its innovative gamification system has caught the attention of companies such as Chobani, Headspace, Hulu, ZipRecruiter, and many others, who are using it to boost morale and create a happier workplace.
The platform’s ease of use and ability to effortlessly spread positivity has made it a hit among employees.
👉 Learn how you can foster a more engaged workplace
FOR THE WORKPLACE
How Employee Resource Groups Are Changing The Workplace
Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is no longer just a nice-to-have.
It’s a must-have.
Studies show that companies with diverse executive teams are more likely to outperform their peers in terms of profitability, and 76% of employees consider a diverse and inclusive workplace an important factor when evaluating job offers.
So, how do you create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone?
Enter Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
ERGs are groups of employees who share common backgrounds or experiences, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+ employees, veterans, and employees with disabilities.
By creating a space where employees can connect, share experiences, and work together to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ERGs help to foster a sense of belonging and support within the workplace.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little blah about your workplace, remember that there’s a secret weapon at your disposal. Join an ERG, connect with your colleagues, and help create a happier, more innovative workplace for all.
📙 Don’t know where to start with forming an ERG? Here’s handy guide.
⭐ Want real life examples? See how other companies have implemented ERGs.
FOR YOUR TEAM
A fun game to play with your team
This is one of our favorite quick and free games we play at The Assist with our team: Geoguessr.
It’s a 5 minute geography game, in which you are dropped somewhere in the world in a street view panorama. Your mission is to find clues and guess your location on the world map.
🏆 Can you beat our team’s high score of 22,343 points (no cheating!)? Take a screenshot of your score and share it with us.
PARTNER PICKS
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Weve offers over 100 games you can play with your team to build stronger workplace culture.
monday.com is the secret to effortless collaboration with your team. Try it free today.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
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🗓️ Need help planning out your work? Get ideas (and free templates!) here.
📝 Need to create an employee recognition survey? Find sample questions here.
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- University of Virginia Office of Business Services is hiring for a Project Manager (Hybrid/Charlottesville, VA).
- University of Virginia Health System is hiring for a Clinical Operations Administrator (Charlottesville, VA).
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