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WANTS MOIST MOUTH, NOT BURSTING BLADDER
Dear Les, I get wicked dry mouth when I make a speech. The obvious answer would be to drink water, but I’m concerned that doing so will result in the wicked need to you know what in the middle of my presentation. Any suggestions? Sahara
Dear Sahara,
Worry not about a nagging need to urinate mid-speech from drinking light to moderate amounts of water during your presentation. The same natural stress response that’s drying up your mouth will likely bind your bladder until you’ve taken your last bow. Our reactions to situations that challenge us, such as performing in front of others, includes shutting off physiological functions not vital or helpful to dealing with the demanding task at hand. This stress benefit may not apply if you consume gallons of liquid before and during your talk, and if you’re very relaxed when you speak.
Whichever your case, here are a few mouth watering suggestions:
- Sip your beverage of choice through a straw to cut down on volume intake and accidental chin dribbling.
- Build in breaks and audience participation activities so that you’ll get occasional breaks from talking; this tactic can reduce dry mouth and provide you with opportunities to take a drink.
- Hold off when possible on taking dehydrating medications before you present. These include many sinus congestion and allergy relief drugs.
- Coffee, sodas and sugary beverages can also contribute to cotton-mouth well after you’ve finished them; plain water is an oral drought’s worst enemy.
- Arrange for water to show up for you at your presentation location. There are lots of other speech-related details to think about, and this may make it difficult to fetch a drink right before you go on.
As the applause fades away, so does the stress of speaking. This can mean that a bladder may be ready to blow quickly, so either make a quick run to the restroom before chatting with individual audience members around the podium, or invite them to join you for some Q&A in the WC.
Les
12/06
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