From Nervous to Natural: How Chewing Gum Can Transform Your Public Speaking

“I am an amazing mountain biker. I speak Spanish and Portuguese. I have lived all over the world. I am a mother and a daughter. I am so much more than this particular moment in time.”

When you’re getting ready to get up on stage, to present in front of ten or ten hundred or ten thousand people, it can be hard to find your center.

Pressure mounts. Perspiration hits. And suddenly it feels like your entire existence depends on your ability to be successful in this specific moment.

It’s terrifying… but it doesn’t have to be.

And I know one simple, fun way to make it easier: chew gum before you get on stage.

Yes, I’m talking about the hot pink, blowing bubbles, tastes like sugar and synthetic chewy stuff of your childhood. 

If you can get into this childlike sense of fun and play, you’re going to do great on stage.

Here’s why it works:

Eliminate Dry Mouth

Did you know that dry, cotton-mouth feeling you get before you get on stage is normal? Dry mouth is a typical “flight-or-flight” response to stress… and for most people, public-speaking is a stress trigger. 

Chewing gum (dentists recommend sugar-free) kick-starts saliva production, banishing dry mouth and ensuring you speak clearly and confidently. Bonus: fresh breath for post-presentation networking! 

Activate (and Calm) Your Brain

The rhythmic act of chewing gum helps lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety. It also reconnects you with your body, grounding you in the present moment. Plus, increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain boost memory and concentration—ideal for nailing that important story.

Embody Play

If you’re like many clients of mine, chewing gum may not be part of your daily “adult” routine. Gum can feel childlike, playful even, and brings up memories of days spent kicking a ball around or spinning on the ice rink. 

Play is a powerful mindset to embody before a presentation — studies show that humans learn best from joyful, connected, and engaging experiences. Chewing gum can help you tap into that youthful, carefree, and playful spirit. Bring the child-like joy of chewing gum into your speaking. Your audience will thank you for it.

Decrease the Stakes & Recenter

Remembering who you were as a child is not just about play, it’s also about expanding your frame of reference beyond this one high-stakes speaking moment.

You are more than just a speaker—you're a complex individual with diverse interests and experiences. Maybe you speak multiple foreign languages, maybe you're an incredible parent, or a top-knotch pancake chef: bring your full self back into frame. Chewing gum serves as a reminder to reconnect with your authentic sel(ves) and reduce the pressure of the moment.

So, next time you're gearing up for a speech, don't forget to include a pack of gum in your preparation routine. Chew it before stepping onto the stage (not during!). Take a moment to enjoy it.

And then get out there and do the thing. You’ve got this.

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At Lange International, we work with executives and their teams to approach every high-stakes moment with confidence, curiosity, and poise–and have fun while doing it! We work one-on-one with leaders and also deliver keynotes and workshops for companies around the globe. Looking to level up your communication? We’d love to connect.