Take a Dive

14 Jul Take a Dive

Would you stand on a platform in a bathing suit and jump from nine stories high, fall sixty-five miles per hour and land in water three seconds later? Everything in your rational mind screams “NO!” It’s not so different from what most people feel getting ready to deliver a keynote, conduct a pitch, or face a webcam in a virtual presentation.

But Molly Carlson, Professional Cliff Diver says, “In the moment, you feel nothing but pure bliss…the second I jump off that platform, my mind is so calm…”

And that’s what can happen when you get past the first few sentences in an opening to a presentation. Your breath deepens, your mind clears, and you feel a power rising from your toes to your head. And yes, public speaking rates even higher than cliff diving as a cause of anxiety.

But the remarkable benefit when you fight your fear and conclude a successful talk is one you’ll never forget. It’s expressed beautifully by Ellie Smart, Cliff Diving Instructor: “I just did this thing that I genuinely thought I couldn’t do, and because of that, I know I can unlock even more of my own human potential.” Enough said. Jump.