So much of performance is down to psychology.
A lot of it remains hidden, as perhaps it should, but in this blog I’m going to reveal mine…
In the name of public service, and making anyone else feel comfortable about theirs!
So here’s a clue about my public speaking, presentations and teaching quirk.
Yes, I know it looks as though I’ve been wearing handcuffs.
But before you think it, that’s not the quirk. Honestly!
In fact, it’s all to do with my sleeves.
They simply have to be rolled up, or I just can’t do my thing.
This week, I was recording some videos for a new course I’m running.
I had my sleeves rolled up in my standard style, but the director asked me to roll them down.
She thought it looked a little odd.
Always keen to please, I tried it…
And from then on, the words just wouldn’t come out right, and I didn’t have the energy and enthusiasm I needed.
Back up went the sleeves, and, as if by magic...
All was well again.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking:
It is ridiculous, it’s probably all in my head, but…
That doesn’t make the effect any less powerful.
Because that's the power of psychology.
The point of this blog being to make you feel okay if you have a performance quirk.
It might be an item of clothing, a cuddly toy you have to bring along, a perfume or aftershave, a pair of shoes, whatever…
No one has to know, only you.
But if it helps you perform, then who else should judge?
I won’t ask what yours is, but…
Ok, actually I will.
I’m a nosy creature and I would love to know.
So if you feel like being able to share it, please do so in the comments.
Finally, forgive me if I don’t blog as much as usual over the coming weeks of the summer.
I have a couple of major projects on, which are taking up all my time.
Besides, you've got far better things to be doing that reading my waffle!
But I will resume normal service as we get to September, although perhaps not on the subject of strange quirks of psychology!
