If in doubt, smile

Be warned dear reader, I am about to name drop...

I want to share two seemingly unconnected things happened to me last week.

ONE: I gave a short talk on "Why the conversations we have with ourselves matter most" at the Network and Natter event in Bloxham Mill (nr Banbury, Oxfordshire). The theme of the event was communication, and I am rather passionate about how we choose to communicate with ourselves.

During the evening, fellow presenter (the amazing ​Sally Hindmarch​) shared tips on how to be a better public speaker. The most powerful hack she shared was to smile.

Simple as that. Smile.

Smiling has a strangely powerful effect both on your audience but also on yourself. As the corners of your mouth rise up, so does your posture.

TWO: I videoed myself smiling. Okay that sounds a bit weird, and it was neither intentional nor was it in response to Sally's talk.

Let me explain...

As well as being a transformational mindset coach (yay!) I am also a drummer. On Friday night I was gigging at an RAF Awards ceremony. The guest of honour was Hon. Group Captain Bruce Dickinson. Bruce also happens to be the ​lead singer of Iron Maiden​ – a heavy metal band that I have adored since I was twelve (yes, there are photos of teenage me with the long hair and the denim jacket!)

Bruce wanted to get up and do a couple of tunes.

In order to capture the moment forever I set up a drum cam, to record both our soundcheck and the songs we would play with him on the night (because of who else was in the crowd, we aren't allowed to share any footage yet until it has been screened by the RAF).

I have, of course, watched it back a few times now:

• Soundcheck – I played well

• First song of the set – also good

• Second song of the set – I smiled

If in doubt, smile

You can see my entire body language change and suddenly I was two inches taller behind the kit. The result? Some of the finest bits of drumming I have done in a long time, a handshake from 'the boss' and some very kind words after.

The smile hit me as I finally grabbed hold of what the hell was in front of me and how much it meant. A 40-year dream come true.

The difference it made...? Instant. The crowd noticed (even my wife had a tear or two of pride in her eyes after, bless her).

Sally was right

If in doubt, smile. So, what is going to bring a smile to your face this week?

• To make you feel a couple of inches taller

• To bring forward a slightly braver version of you (that deserves to be seen/heard)

• 
  

Even if the next few days don't seem forthcoming in terms of a reason to grin, you never know what might trigger an upturn in those cheeks, or the knock-on effect it might have.

Post a smiley selfie below, I dare you!