What do a cup of coffee, a roller coaster ride, and a scary movie have in common?

Ever been in a conversation with a close friend and she tells you how she went ahead and did something a little bit crazy immediately after experiencing an intense or dramatic situation?

What is it that sometimes makes us do things that seem less than rational?

When I was a psychology student, I learned about a concept that has fascinated me even to this day. This idea stuck with me and exploring it further was the starting point on a path of exploring how our bodies and being embodied impacts our daily life.

The concept is “misattribution of arousal” and in this video, I discuss what happens to our bodies and minds when a situation increases our heart beat, our breathing is a little faster, and our senses are more fully engaged and aroused. Misattribution of arousal is derived from scientific research done by psychologists in the 1970’s.

So, why is this relevant to you and your presentations? I hope this notion plants a seed as you think about your important interactions. If your goal is to resonate with an audience, using an exercise to get people moving or sharing a story invigorates your words. Actually experiencing what you are saying creates physiological changes outside of a participant’s control. When your audience feels what you are saying, they are experiencing a deeper connection with you. They are more interested in you and your message and the chance of them saying yes to what you are offering increases.

I hope the message in this video gives you a sense of how valuable it can be to harness the power of the physiological changes that take place when you amp up the energy in your presentations. While it might not be practical to conduct your next important meeting at an amusement park, I invite you to play with storytelling, visualization, and movement as you prepare for your next opportunity. Let me know what ideas you come up with by sending me an email or commenting in the section below.

Until the next time,

Cassie