How to overcome stage fright in 5 easy steps
Studies suggest that nearly 73% of the population suffers from stage fright. According to a survey, it is the second most thing that people are afraid of apart from dying. This fear comes from the feeling of being judged by others. Needless to say, we do not have control over other people’s minds. However, we can work on what is within our control.
Thus if you get anxious with the thought of speaking in front of people, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
However, you can stand out among other people by developing this skill. Here’s a guide to how to overcome stage fright in 5 easy steps.
5 Steps to overcome stage fright
- Be prepared in advance
Stage fright is often associated with anxiety and nervousness about speaking before a crowd. However, the root cause of this anxiety is unclear thoughts and chaos. Make sure that you have a clear idea about your performance. Inadequate preparation can often lead to anxiety. Try to rehearse your act before the performance/presentation to avoid confusion on stage.
Be clear about why you are speaking, who you are addressing and why speakers should listen to you. Having this clear in your mind will help you speak freely in front of a crowd. Prior to the day of your speech, performance, presentation, public speaking event, etc., practice as much as you can. Become an expert in your subject and use the exercises to bolster your confidence. People’s true lack of self-confidence is a big factor in why anxiety is so strong.
- Don’t be afraid of committing mistakes
Accept the fact that it is inevitable not to commit mistakes. However, focusing on not committing mistakes will shift all your attention toward what not to do, and you might end up messing up. Instead, be open to mistakes and learn the skill to improvise.
Who cares if you omit a line? You can invent a fresh line. What if you struck the wrong note? Since you are a person, people are aware that you are not perfect. They also don’t give a damn. Although you care, most of the time, your audience is just interested in seeing or hearing from you. So ensure to deliver your content with confidence.
As discussed previously, all of us suffer from the anxiety of public speaking. It is quite understandable if you mess up. Address your audience beforehand that you are anxious. This will help them understand your content and develop an engaging orator-audience relationship. Also, addressing this will take the burden off your shoulders, and you are most likely not to commit any mistake at all. You will immediately feel calmer if you admit to them that you are a little anxious.
- Avoid negative self-talk and do not engage in activities that may make you feel anxious
Avoid negative self-talk. Instead, think about how you would feel when things go right and have the confidence that you can do this. It is scientifically proven that a positive mindset can help you perform better. Try to visualize how it would feel when you perform well in front of an audience. Imagine the audience cheering and applauding for you. And do not be afraid of embarrassment. Have a positive mindset and a learning attitude. Lastly, you are going to learn from your mistakes, so there is no shame in messing up.
It is essential to keep in mind that you do not reflect on your mistakes just before the performance. This will make you even more anxious. Keep the past aside and focus on what you have on your plate right now. Avoid any activities that make you anxious on the day of your performance/presentation. Also, do not consume coffee. It contains caffeine which can trigger your anxiety levels.
One cannot put enough emphasis on this. Embrace your biggest fears. This is not only true for public speaking but for every other task that makes you feel anxious. You should actively participate in various public activities. Do not turn down these opportunities out of timidity. This will help you in the long run.
Develop a habit of preparing your material beforehand and practicing it in front of people. Initially, if you are shy about practicing in front of an audience, practice in front of a mirror. Watching yourself speak will help you analyze your mistakes and shortcomings. Furthermore, you can also start practicing in front of your loved ones. This will provide you with a sense of confidence.
Be open to criticism and learn from your mistakes. Additionally, there are many forums and programs for you to participate in and polish your public speaking skills. Also, just like any other skill, public speaking skills can also be learned. You can consider taking public speaking classes and learning how to overcome stage fright . There are many options available. However, you should choose one that has an extensive experience and can help you with the right teaching. One such is Orator Academy. They offer various courses that will help you improve your public speaking skills.
- Breathe and calm down before your speech or presentation
This seems like obvious advice, but many people tend to overlook this. And the results of taking deep breaths are tangible. Meditate on the day of your performance. This will help you manage your anxiety. Also, 15 minutes before your speech, find a quiet place and take deep breaths. Do not think about negative outcomes. Just focus on the present moment and assure yourself that everything is going to be fine.
This will not only stop your intrusive thoughts but will also give you a sense of calmness. This also helps in releasing the tension in the muscles. Starting from the face till your toes, release all the tension that is built up. Free your body. This will make you feel grounded and free from all the negative thoughts.
Conclusion
Although many people have stage fright, it is quite inevitable to avoid events involving public speaking. Whether you are a student or a working professional, you may encounter many events where you might have to face the stage. Thus instead of running away from this stage fright, it is better to overcome it. Thus these are some of the tips on how to overcome stage fright.
However, if you want to eliminate the root cause of this fear, it is recommended that you take classes and learn from professionals. To get the best training, be sure to get in touch with the Orator Academy. They provide sessions on how to overcome your stage fright . This has helped many individuals to overcome this fear and perform better. So what are you waiting for? Now is your time to free yourself from the shackles of stage fright and take a step forward towards your overall growth.
