The Wobble Is Feedback: What Stability Practice Can Teach a Speaker
A wobble gets your attention. You may stiffen, hold your breath or try to stop every movement at once. In my practice, that response is useful material. The ball gives us something to observe together.
One of the central ideas in my recent writing is that stability is adaptability. I use stability to describe the ability to keep organising yourself as a task changes. That is different from staying completely still. The distinction matters when an audience asks a question or a conversation moves away from your plan.
Choose a challenge you can work with
More difficulty is not always more useful. The starting point might be sitting with both feet on the floor, using support, or working entirely on solid ground. I adapt the task so the client can notice what is happening and respond. Standing on the ball is optional and belongs in an appropriately supervised session, rather than a self-guided speaking drill.
Notice what effort changes
During guided practice, I might ask: when did you start holding your breath? What happened when you tried to stop all movement? Can you make a smaller adjustment? These are observations about the task in front of us. A wobble does not diagnose someone's personality, trauma or leadership ability.
Add the message
When the physical task is appropriate, we can introduce a simple speaking task, such as saying a name, explaining an idea or answering a question. We observe what changes when attention has to serve movement and communication. The aim is workable practice, not a stunt or a performance for the camera.
Return to solid ground
This is the part that gives the session a professional purpose. Step away from the ball, sit or stand with comfortable support, and rehearse your actual opening sentence. Add a pause. Ask for a realistic question. Explore whether a cue from the practice helps you keep your attention on the message.
Try a solid-ground version today
Sit in a stable chair with your feet supported. Say a short opening aloud. Pause and notice your breath, jaw and hands. Let one unnecessary area of effort ease, then say the opening again. Compare the two attempts without expecting a dramatic change. Keep what is useful and leave the rest.
From practice to your next conversation
Choose one cue for the next meeting: feel your feet before you begin, leave a pause after your opening, or listen to the whole question before answering. Afterwards, record what happened. Specific practice and honest observation tell us more than trying to force a feeling of confidence.
Start with the free guide
Get the Executive Presence Reset for a portable practice you can use without a ball. If you want guided feedback, explore private coaching or a workshop tailored to your team.
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