I’d like to take a moment to talk about the power of slowing down. I’ve learned that pausing isn’t just about taking a break – it’s a way to notice the assumptions, biases, and stories that shape how we think and act. In corporate settings, this is invaluable. When we slow down, we’re better able to respond thoughtfully in meetings, make decisions without jumping to conclusions, and navigate complex conversations with clarity rather than reacting impulsively.

I’ve found that even discomfort and anger have something to reveal when we take the time to observe them. For those of us who ‘never get angry’ or squash down feelings of discomfort, here’s a thought: moving past these feelings too quickly often means missing the clarity they offer! In the workplace, this awareness allows us to understand our own reactions during conflicts or high-stakes discussions, and to then respond in a constructive, authentic way that strengthens collaboration and trust.

Slowing down also strengthens emotional intelligence and leadership. Taking the time to notice subtle cues – tone of voice, body language, or even hesitation in others – helps leaders understand team dynamics more clearly. This awareness allows for more effective coaching, mediation of tensions and thoughtful guidance, which in turn fosters trust and stronger, more resilient teams.

Then there is the physical dimension. In a personal example, I’ve managed a long-standing tennis elbow issue simply by slowing down, paying attention to pain and movement, and adjusting accordingly. This type of awareness helps maintain optimal physical function, which naturally supports better performance and sustained energy at work.

Another crucial aspect is the breath. Slowing down the breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and releasing tension in the chest, neck, and jaw. For anyone who communicates frequently – presentations, client calls, or team discussions – this practice improves projection, clarity, and confidence. Speaking from a relaxed, centered place makes communication not just easier, but more persuasive and impactful.

Importantly, slowing down doesn’t mean being sluggish. It expands time and space, giving us the calm focus needed to act with precision and agility. It’s not about doing less – it’s about doing more, smarter, and with greater clarity. In every aspect of work, from decision-making to communication to physical awareness, slowing down is a skill set that allows us to operate at our best.

Reach out to us at syngrity@syngrity.com to know how we can empower your Leaders with the skills required to slow down, be mindful and in the present.

Shena Gamat is a theatre practitioner, voice artist, and trainer with over two decades of experience in performance and facilitation. Her background spans film, international theatre tours, and voice work for Discovery Channel India, audiobooks, ad films and corporate films. She has trained senior leadership teams at Standard Chartered (UK), conducted movement-based workshops across India, and run communication and presence training for both corporate and grassroots groups. Her sessions combine theatre tools, voice work, movement, and story structure to help participants connect to their own presence and communicate with clarity and confidence. Shena co-founded Barefoot, a company focussing on original theatre, and has directed several performances supported by India Foundation for the Arts. Most recently, she is the founder of It’s All Good, a platform that curates immersive micro-festivals and workshops focused on joy, well-being, and creative community engagement. She is currently associated as a Master Facilitator with Syngrity.

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As a corporate trainer, whenever I’m facilitating a storytelling workshop, I like to begin by asking the participants, “What is your favorite story?” Take a moment to think of one yourself. If you also thought of a film, then you belong to eighty percent of the population. While film (and now OTT) is the most popular form of storytelling today, stories are not just limited to films. Anyone working in the performing arts is telling a story through a painting, sculpture, song, dance, photograph, or even an Instagram reel. In fact, stories are not limited to the performing arts alone. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly telling and hearing stories on a daily basis. “Why were you late to work?” “Why should we give you the job?” “What is your opinion on this subject?” —these are just a few examples that require a flair for storytelling.

The brightest minds once believed that the Earth was flat. Today, we know better and have discovered that the Earth is round and rotates on its own axis. This is a fact based on science that I wouldn’t challenge, but it is still something that I have only seen in pictures or read about in books, much like a story. Honing the art of storytelling is not just meant for ‘storytellers’.

It is not surprising that, traditionally, most cultures practiced meeting under a tree, by the fire in the evening, or even at a bar to tell stories. They did this through song and dance, playing musical instruments, or even through mindless gossip. This can even be informally observed today. In India, the Natya Shastra is a guide for performers that dates back thousands of years. Widely accepted as the fifth Veda, it was not just meant to be practiced by artists but by everyone from all walks of life. Storytelling was—and will always be—an integral part of our daily rituals.

So, what is it about stories that have stood the test of time? Why do we tell stories? What do they reveal about being human?

Human beings are perhaps the only creatures who know their time on Earth is limited. Yet, despite this, they don’t always live in the moment; they spend more time in the past or future.

Stories transcend time—past, present, and future—and can be used to document events. They help us give shape to our experiences, comprehend reality and ourselves, and share our stories in ways that others can understand. Stories give us a sense of belonging and help us make sense of the world by connecting us to others who have had similar experiences and survived them. We all love stories, and we all seek affirmation that our lives have meaning. Nothing affirms this more than connecting through stories. Someone rightly said, “Frankly, there isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love, once you’ve heard their story.”

At Syngrity, we offer a comprehensive storytelling workshop designed to help individuals enhance their narration skills and craft and deliver stories that resonate, inspire, and connect with their audience. Reach out to us to know how we can help you cultivate the skill that is storytelling.

Rohit Mehra is an actor & theatre practitioner with over 15 years of experience. He is trained in Physical theatre from The London International School Of Performing Arts (London/Berlin) and has a Masters in Communication and Journalism. Rohit views the performance process as a deeply introspective journey, capable of fostering mindset and behavioral transformation. As a result, he believes it should be practiced by people regardless of the field they belong to. With the expertise he has gathered over the years from theatre and film, he conducts workshops on storytelling and executive presence for both students and corporate professionals, applying principles that are relevant across industries.

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