wedrifid comments on Rationality Boot Camp - Less Wrong

73 Post author: Jasen 22 March 2011 08:37AM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (197)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: wedrifid 05 April 2011 02:33:08AM *  7 points [-]

Mind you I wouldn't call pumping iron despite your screaming muscles a particularly efficient way to improve your ability to speak in public despite your screaming brain. But it certainly helps. Some relevant mediating factors:

  • Improved willpower and self control.
  • Decreased salience of psychological distress - you can feel the discomfort without it needing to control or define you.
  • Increased testosterone levels promote social risk-taking.
  • Physical conditioning increases self esteem - your perception of your own status. The instinct to not draw public attention - and not place yourself above your station - is intrinsically linked to your relative status levels.
  • Exercise changes posture. Even things as simple as standing differently change how difficult public speaking is!