Power Play: Slow down and take a breath

Powerful people always remember to take a breath. They stop before they blurt it out. They learn to take that beat in a conversation.

This one takes practise because breathing is a lost art. Sounds strange but when you think about it, it’s not.

Taking that breath is when power becomes influence. Because you become aware of what could come out of your mouth and you give it a chance to bounce around in your head before it hits the room.

Your audience knows that if you speak,  it’s worth listening to. And when people sit up and listen, that’s when power becomes influence.

This type of influence is considered, thoughtful and ultimately, very cool.