When nerves enter the equation, however, it’s as though you’re standing outside your body and watching yourself, or choreographing your every movement. And the second you disconnect your body and your mind, you’re in trouble. You begin to orchestrate your gestures, and instantly you create a barrier between yourself and your listeners. If you tend to use parallel gestures, try this exercise. Stand in front of a mirror that allows you to see yourself from the waist up. Sing your favorite song or speak any passage of text you’ve memorized. Watch what your hands do. Are they mirroring each other?
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