BMW CEO Faints Speaking
BMW CEO Speaks and Falls
According to The Blaze, September 15, 2015,
“Harald Krüger made his first major public appearance as BMW’s chief executive officer Tuesday, but he fainted just five minutes into the news conference. Krüger, who is 49-years-old, has been the CEO of the car manufacturer since May, but his presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany was his public debut. Approximately five minutes into his presentation, he began to stumble and then hit the ground.”
Today Health and Wellness, September 15, 2015, offers this,
“Sudden stimulus to the vagus nerve – which controls the heart – is the most common cause of fainting. A sudden fright or shock can lead to a reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure. Stress or nerves can play a role as well. Herald Kruger has only been BMW’s top boss since May and this was reportedly his first time presenting at a major auto show.”
When we consider the fact that public speaking is the number one fear in life, combined with the stress of being a CEO, can you think of a more perfect storm of stress and anxiety? Public speaking creates mental stress, emotional stress, and physical stress. Add to the intense level of stress that accompanies public speaking, something like being a CEO, and you raise the anxiety bar to levels most of us will never understand. Herald Kruger is a perfect example of why it is crucial that speakers go into every public speaking situation physically and mentally at the top of their game. Three things that must always be a priority for strong – healthy – performances are:
1) A good night’s rest
2) A good healthy meal and staying hydrated (not alcohol)
3) A light cardio workout, followed by a cool shower before speaking
Healthy body, healthy mind!
From 2000-2015, I had the privilege of coaching the Los Angeles Valley College Speech Team. In 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012, our team claimed team gold medals at the national championship tournament. In 2008, I had the privilege of coaching Marcus Hill, the over all top speaker in nation. A large part of our success, I know Marcus as well as other gold medal speakers would argue, was rigorously managing the physical and mental health of our speakers. We, the coaches, structured their lives during the competition to optimize their performance-health. We imposed on them a good night’s rest, healthy meals, snacks and hydration, and early morning exercise before competition. Today I am privileged to say that I also have a growing list of CEO’s, executives, and vast variety of professionals who would also testify to the value of purposing to manage one’s over all health, as a way to ensure optimal performance each and every time they speak.
Sleeping, eating and staying hydrated, and a light workout and a cool shower before every speech not only promotes health and confidence, but rock star performances.
Duane