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Do you know that awful moment when someone asks your opinion and you give a robotic, filtered response? Your words sound fake and boring. That used to be me, too.

Today I'm sharing four simple games that will train your brain to speak naturally, think faster, and really connect with people. These 4 games are what I talked about on my recent YouTube video called “I Trained My Brain To Stop Freezing When I Speak.” Check it out ​here​.

 

Game 1: Object Roulette

This game builds your brain's connection muscle. When you can link any random object to any topic, you'll never run out of things to say.

How it works:

• Grab something near you (like a water bottle)
• Start telling any story
• Every 30 seconds, grab a new object and work it into your story
• Don't think about the connection - just trust your brain to find it

Quick example: "Leadership is like this water bottle - great leaders hold space for others. Speaking of holding things, this wallet reminds me that leaders need many tools in their toolkit..."

Your practice: Set a timer for 2 minutes. Grab 4 objects. Record yourself talking about anything, but weave each object into your story. Don't worry if it makes no sense - just keep flowing.

Do this for 5 days straight and watch yourself become more natural.

Game 2: Volume Dial

Most people speak at the same boring level their whole lives. It's safe but forgettable.

How it works:

• Practice speaking at 5 different volume levels
• Level 1-2: Whisper
• Level 5: Normal conversation
• Level 7: Presenting to 20-30 people
• Level 10: Inspiring a huge crowd

Advanced version: Use a random number generator (1-10). When you see the number, immediately switch to that volume level while speaking.

The secret: When you change volume, your pace changes too. Slow = quieter. Fast = louder. This makes you way more interesting to listen to.

Game 3: Time Machine Stories

This adds emotion to your speaking. Most people tell stories from one flat emotional place. Boring stories don't stick.

The framework: Past, Present, Future

Pick any object. Spend 30 seconds each talking about:

1. Something in the PAST related to that object
2. Something in the PRESENT
3. Something in the FUTURE

Pro tip: Use "signposts" - words that tell you where you are in the story:

• "In the past..."
• "But now..."
• "Moving forward..."

This keeps you organized and flowing smoothly.

Game 4: Word Association Lightning

This is where everything comes together. It trains your brain to make sharp points quickly.

How it works:

• Someone gives you a random word
• You have 10 seconds to make a strong point using that word
• Then 20-30 seconds to explain that point
• No pausing, no planning

Example with "bridge": "Trust is the bridge between potential and performance. I've seen talented teams fail because they didn't trust each other..."

Key rules:

• Keep your first sentence under 10 words
• Don't go over 30 seconds total
• Speak with confidence - confidence can sell any point

The Real Secret

Great speakers aren't fearless. They just practice being unfiltered.

Every time you do these games, you're building speaking muscle memory. That uncomfortable feeling? That's your filter fighting for survival. Push through it.

Record yourself doing these exercises. You'll be shocked at how much better you sound when you stop trying to be perfect.

I went from someone who memorized every word to someone who trusts their brain.

That transformation is exactly what I teach in ​The Impromptu Speakers Academy​. It's my flagship program that's helped hundreds of students master on-the-spot public speaking in just under 3 weeks. When you join, you'll get exclusive access to the 2-hour kick-off call and group coaching session with me on Thursday, August 21st at 3 pm Pacific Time (session will be recorded). Hope to see you inside.

Best,

Preston