The Invisible Crown: A Shakespearean Hack for Public Speaking
By Tabitha Gilbert. Inspired by Jonathan Cullen’s concept, “The Invisible Crown”.
There is a moment right before you speak - whether it’s in a boardroom, on stage, or in front of a screen - when the nerves kick in. Your heart rate picks up, and your posture slumps. Jelly legs, fluttery hands, a tight throat... Why does it feel less like public speaking, and more like preparing to enter a boxing ring?
Contrary to popular belief, seasoned actors still get nervous before a show. Just ask anyone from our trainer team! From comedians to stage actors, singers to magicians – professional performers still battle with nerves before they step into the spotlight.
So, what can we do? Being a team of actors and theatre-lovers, we can’t resist some Shakespearean wisdom. Bringing Shakespeare into the boardroom might seem like a pretty big leap – but stick with us! Consider this quote from Part 3, Act 3 of Henry VI:
My crown is in my heart, not on my head;
Not decked with diamonds and Indian stones,
Nor to be seen: my crown is called content:
A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy...
This brilliant quote can teach us so much about leadership, power, and resilience. At this point in the play, King Henry’s throne has been seized, meaning he has lost the crown. He disguises himself, wandering the countryside like a commoner and reflecting on the emptiness of kingship. He might have lost the English crown, but he’s gained something powerful...
An invisible crown.
Actor, director and DR trainer Jonathan Cullen explains: “Whenever I’m coaching, I say to people, wear your invisible crown. You’re all tensed up, thinking, oh no, it’s coming up any minute. But lift up an invisible crown and put it on. It actually gets your head up off your shoulders, so you can breathe better, and it makes you feel more confident.”
It’s a deceptively simple piece of coaching advice which works at every level: from senior executives to junior assistants. Before stepping up to speak, take a deep breath and imagine gently placing a crown on your head. Picture something elegant, regal, and commanding. This isn't just poetic imagery - it’s powerful psychology in action.
Here’s why it works:
Posture = Presence. When you place that imaginary crown on your head, you naturally align your body. Your spine lifts, your shoulders drop, and you feel taller. Good posture helps you look and feel confident. That’s the mind-body connection at work!
It calms your nerves. Nervous energy loves a slumped posture. When we feel like we’re in danger, we physically shrink. This affects our breath control (see below) and makes us appear less commanding. But when we open up - crown on, chest open - we can relax our nervous system. That simple shift can lower anxiety levels and restore your composure.
It sharpens your voice. A lifted posture frees up your breath and vocal cords. That means a stronger, clearer voice with less strain and more authority. What’s more, regaining breath control should help you slow down – another factor which improves your ‘royal’ presence!
The ‘invisible crown technique’ is fast, subtle, and surprisingly transformative. You don’t need to overthink it. Just take a moment, imagine the crown, and let your body respond.
Feeling nervous before public speaking is natural, and it may never go away. It’s crucial to find the right tools to calm your nerves and help you “rise to the throne” – so don’t forget your invisible crown!
If you’re interested in learning more techniques from our team of actor-trainers, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our office team here.