Ritual

Welcome to Your Weekly Words with Julie Avis Rogers, where public speaking meets personal flourishing. In these posts (the video and written transcript below), I’ll share one word to enhance your effectiveness as a public speaker while also giving a boost for your soul! This week’s word is *ritual* so let’s dive in!

When you leave the house, is there anything that you always bring with you? 

My own list is a pretty predictable one– keys, money, phone. In fact, I often repeat the phrase “keys, money, phone” under my breath as I step through the door to confirm that indeed, I am carrying my most necessary elements.

The list may not feel so clear cut however, when we think about public speaking. When you are speaking in front of a group, is there anything that you always bring with you? I suspect that a couple ideas come to mind– perhaps a computer, a glass of water, a pen. Knowing some of the items that will give you a sense of comfort or readiness is an important thing– but today, more than anything else,  I invite you to always bring your rituals. 

Always bring your rituals. 

In my experience, a brief meaningful ritual becomes truly transformative in the moments where we feel at our most vulnerable. There are many definitions of the word ritual and for many of us, it may have a religious or spiritual connotation– but the power of a brief ritual holds just as much significance outside the spiritual context as it does from within. 

The beauty of a good ritual is that it is easily repeatable. It is something that is accessible and simple for you to do on a moment’s notice. It is not elaborate. It is not complicated. It is easily repeatable. And when you are in the midst of a public speaking event, a ritual is one of the most important things to always bring with you. 

I’ll give you an example from my own life: A few years ago, I learned the technique of box breathing.  (In case you are not familiar with it, box breathing is a simple breathing technique of inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4 counts, exhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4 counts and then repeating as needed.) Box breathing has become familiar enough for me that when I find myself feeling anxious or frightened or stressed, I can immediately access it and I direct my energy to nourishing myself through my breath. Box breathing is the ritual that I always carry with me. 

So today I would love for you to consider: What ritual can you carry with you as you step onto stages or into rooms or into situations that evoke fear or stress for you? Maybe it’s a simple breathing technique. Maybe it’s a practice of feeling the floor beneath your feet or the cushion under your chair. Maybe it’s a poem or a prayer or a sentence that gives you strength or gives you comfort. Whatever it is, your ritual should be something that you can access at a moment’s notice. It is something that is with you no matter what stress or doubt or fear comes your way. 

Keys, money, phone, RITUAL. Always bring your ritual. 

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