4 Ways To Overcome Stage Fright

It’s a paralyzing nervousness that hits you at really inopportune times. It occupies your whole mind and is capable of leaving you blank. We are talking about stage fright, an uncontrollable shaking that takes hold of us when facing a large audience. Whether it’s to give a speech, sing, act or collect an award. Any situation can cause you this type of withering panic.

First of all, you should know that this fear is very common. Even the actor with the most self-esteem and confidence in himself can feel it at a certain moment.

For that reason, and although it has never happened to you, it is convenient that you know what the keys are to overcome it and get out of such a compromising situation. It is necessary a training of body and mind, as well as mastering your breathing. Let’s go deeper.

Previous relaxation

If you are going to face a stage full of an audience waiting for your performance, the first thing you should do is try to calm your body and mind. It is about calming yourself internally so that you can go on stage clear, calm and with clarity of ideas.

If you are going to give a concert, you are an actor or you have to give a speech to many people, the main thing is to try to stabilize your voice. It will be the tool that you use, therefore, you have to make sure that it is in good condition. Hum under your breath, hum a song, gargle, and warm it up.

Very important! Whisper words of calm and positivity to yourself. And take a deep breath. Repeat this process 5 times. You will see how you manage to reduce your heart rate and feel more secure. To do this, some expressions that you can use are:

• “It’s going to be fine”.
• “Trust yourself”.
• “You can do it”.

You can also stretch. Move your head from side to side, unload your shoulders, stretch your back, legs and arms. It is a way to free yourself from the bodily tension that you may be generating yourself.

You can have your own tricks or rituals. For example, eat gum a while before, ingest an energy drink, meditate, wear a certain color … The goal is for you to go on stage with confidence in yourself. And if for this you need to be 5 minutes late, do not rush. It is better to wait a while than not to rush and make stage fright take over.

Prepare your speech

On many occasions, we feel nervous because we are not sure of mastering the topic we are going to talk about. It is convenient, therefore, that you know it and handle its argument and key points with ease.

Repeat the dissertation as many times as you need to to gain confidence. This does not mean that you memorize each sentence, but it does mean that you master the key ideas of it and know how to express the same thing in different words. This will make it easier for you to get the thread back if you get lost at any time. It’s about getting comfortable and performing like a fish in water on stage.

Find a mirror and practice in front of it. Take action, listen to yourself, and correct yourself. You can even videotape yourself doing the presentation. Seeing you will help you enormously in this entire process of overcoming stage fright. Better be cautious!

Use words that are easily readable and simple phrases. If you use complex terms to pronounce or subordinate phrases that are too long, you will probably end up getting bogged down and confused during the speech. This will make you more nervous and you will eventually become completely paralyzed.

Visualize yourself and know the environment

Although on many occasions it is very difficult to visit or know the place where you are going to face the public, it is very convenient that you do so. Allow yourself to visualize yourself addressing the rest of those present and gain confidence.

If it is impossible for you to attend before your performance,  you can show up a few hours before any spectators arrive. Thus, you will become familiar with the environment in which you are going to develop when it is full of people.

Minutes before going up, you can also try talking to some viewers. This closeness will appease your nerves and restlessness.

Calm and imagination during the speech

Speak slowly. One of the biggest indications that you are experiencing an episode of stage fright is that your voice begins to accelerate. When you speak too fast, you get stuck and you are not well understood. When you notice a stir in the auditorium, you will start to panic and all the efforts you have made will be for nothing. The key is to exercise consistency in the speed of your words.

If you notice that your voice, your hands, or your entire body is still shaking, try taking a deep breath. Give yourself 5 seconds and imagine that your favorite person is in that room. Someone who loves you, respects you and supports you. Consider that she is seated in each chair. And feel how their strength and positive energy are present and accompany you.

Another trick you can use is figuring out that your entire audience is wearing really weird underwear or outfits. Thus, not only will you be the one who “undresses” their vulnerability to them.

Lastly, remember: relaxation, preparation, visualization and concentration. Those are the 4 basic keys to successfully overcome stage fright. Try all these tips and you will see how you start to like public speaking!