The Power of the Hug

“The Power of the Hug”

I. Introduction

A. Attention Getter--I believe that Bil Keane was so right when he stated “A hug is like a boomerang, you get it back right away.”

B. Tie to the Audience –Most of the time, life and its routine cause feelings not to be expressed how it should be. However, giving a hug is a quick and easy way to express feelings and reduce problems.

C. Credentials –To say that years ago I started leading with a hug instead of shaking hands. Now it comes naturally to me.  I think the key is more hugs in the world.

D. Purpose –The purpose of my speech is to persuade my audience to hug more often.

E. Thesis/Preview –People should hug at least four times per day because hugs reduce stress, it is an overall sense of well-being and increase communication.

II. Body

A. Main Point One – The first benefit that we get by hugging is that they reduce stress.

1.Hugs rise the oxytocin levels which can help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, stress and anxiety.

1. 2.Also, the body releases the hormone known as endorphins, which creates a feeling of happiness in the person.

3.According to the article “Hugs Are Nice” by breakingmuscle.com, hugs really are rather quite magnificent if you think about them. They are free, they are quick, you can do them in public, you can hug people of both sexes, you can hug people of all races, and you can hug people of all ages.

Transitions: I have explained to you how hugs reduce stress, but I am sure you now are wondering how it is an overall sense of well-being.

B. Main Point Two – Next I would like to show you the how hugs are an overall sense of well-being.

1. The best known benefit of hug between two people is not in the physical sense. Hugs can lead to spend a relaxing and fun.

2.According to The New York Times, without hugs we can become sad, withdrawn and depressed. A hug provides solace, safety and tenderness. A hug provides us with social contact, an overall sense of well-being and a feeling of importance and belonging.

1. 3.According to the article “Personal Growth by Life Positive, hug is an important component of attachment as it creates bonds between two individuals.  

Transitions: Now that you know how it is an overall sense of well-being I will be explaining to you how hugs increase communication.

C. Main Point Three – Finally, hugs increase communication.

1.The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding.

2. In fact, thru a hug you can say things that words can not explain.

1. 3.According to the website mindbodygreen.com, hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feeling to the person that you are hugging.

4. According to the web-page Healthy Living,  "Non-verbal communication can be a very powerful way to say to your partner, 'I get you,' Hugging is a way of saying 'I know how you feel.' It allows us to feel known by our partner in ways that words cannot convey."