Olympic torch bearer hypnotised for success.

posted on 20th July 2012 at 08.24am

I was contacted recently by a lady who proudly ran with the Olympic torch in front of her family, friends and several hundred people, not to mention the many millions watching on the television (although I just did mention them!)

 She was one of the very first people to run with the torch and at this point it was still getting wall to wall coverage in the media. It may seem surprising but she was hoping for some help with a fear of public speaking. Despite the fact that she had just appeared in front of so many people her fears were being even more realised now that she was being invited to talk about her experiences.

 Many of the torch bearers have found themselves in great demand at local events since their moment to shine. My client was about to open a fete and she told me that she was finding the thought of it a very nerve wracking experience.

 As a radio presenter, trained actor and a man who even used to be a stand up comedian I like to think that alongside my hypnotherapy I really can help people with fears like these from the point of view of someone who was in the same boat.

It may seem that I don’t suffer any of the worries that many people do but I was just like anyone else at first. I just found ways to make things easier and by doing this I also really enjoy being in front of an audience. It’s important not to underestimate that fact that speaking to people should be fun and not be a chore.

 So, whether you are an Olympic torch bearer, a best man, or just getting up to speak in front of friends there are some tips that can really help you.

•   Take a deep breath and relax.  I know, that sounds simple, but the physical action of taking a deeper breath, holding it and then letting it go a few times really does calm you down. I have spoken in front of small and large numbers of people and I still make sure this is something that I do every time. It also really helps me to focus.

•      Talk about something that you know. This sounds obvious, but it’s really something worth thinking about. You need to feel comfortable with what you are doing and knowing your subject is going to help you immensely.

•      Make some cue cards. Jot down some words that help you to know where you are. There is nothing worse than listening to someone just read from a piece of paper. Unless you are Patrick Stewart, it’s going to be a little boring. If you know your subject then a few words to help you along will be all that you need. Those cards will always be there if you need them and you may not even use them at all.

•       Don’t worry about what the audience think about you. Put yourself in their shoes. They want to be informed and entertained by you, they are willing you to succeed. They are on your side. So, don’t be afraid to pause and take a breath any time that you need to.

•     Remember it’s not school. At school we were picked on at the last minute asked questions we maybe didn’t know the answer to and perhaps even made to look foolish. That was a long time ago and now YOU are in charge of things, so it’s all down to your preparation. If you know your subject you can’t go wrong.

•     ENJOY IT!  If you enjoy it then the chances are that your audience will too. And the more you enjoy it the more that you will find you wish to do it even more.

 Of course there are lots of other ideas and exercises that you can do. This is just the start and if you remember one thing, remember that the people who are listening want you to do well as much as you do. They are on your side and, unless you are in a bear pit late night comedy show at Edinburgh....they really want you to do well.

 Oh...and if you are thinking “did Mark get a picture of himself with the torch?” here is the answer...

posted on 10th July 2012 at 09.38

If you are a smoker...how would you like a brand new iPad ?

OK...  Let’s imagine that you smoke twenty cigarettes a day.

At about seven pounds per packet that works out at about fifty pounds per week.

A new iPad costs a little over three hundred pounds

So, if you became a non-smoker and saved that money you could buy a new iPad in just seven weeks. 

Perhaps you don’t want an iPad...here is something else that you can think about then...

If you saved that money for a year you would have over two and a half THOUSAND pounds.

That’s enough for a pretty good holiday in the sun lazing on an exotic beach soaking up the rays, or skiing in the winter snow and enjoying the off piste in the evenings.

Or maybe a deposit for a car, or even some changes to your house.

And...that doesn’t take into account the benefits to your health, the fact that you are going to be able to taste your food and smell the flowers in the garden...and that you won’t smell of cigarettes any more.

Plus, if you have children imagine what a good example this sets for them...and how proud they will be of you and you of yourself.

It’s something to think about isn’t it? Many people don’t take the time to sit down and work out how much they spend on smoking and when they do it can really help to make a decision that moves them foward to a healthier and wealthier life. 

I'm not suggesting that becoming a non smoker is really easy! It isn't, or you would already have done it. But thinking about it in a different way is a really good start. Looking at the positives and the things that will be better could just be the little thing that helps you to make the decision.

As a hypnotherapist I can’t make you give up smoking. No one can do that!  It has to be your choice. However, if you make that decision to become a non smoker.. I can really help you towards your goal. I know how well it works, because it’s how I gave up. I wanted to stop and hypnosis helped me make that change.

Why not give me a call on 07980 233160 and we can have a chat about it?

There is no obligation at all, you can carry on smoking if you really want to.

It’s just something to think about...(since I wrote this the new iPhone5 has arrived so you never know you may want one of those instead!  You may have to save a little longer though!