Nothing is worse than, when you are about to walk on stage for an audition, performance, or presentation and you get stage fright.
There are some hidden forces that drive us and unfortunately anxiety and fear are some of the negative forces that can hold us back. These can especially rear their ugly heads right before big moments. Colloquially this is known as “stage fright” or performance anxiety and it can happen before or during any appearance in front of an audience. Here are some effective ways to conquer stage fright and keep it at bay forever!
Pick a focal point
One of the best tips is to pick a focal point. You should pick a far-off, unimportant point in the back of the room or auditorium. Later, you need to use that point to throw off your nervous energy. This is an interesting concept because it will enable you to redirect all your nervous energy and anxiety.
Belly breathe
Oxygen is really like magic. But when we are nervous, without realizing it, we take shorter, shallower breaths or hold our breath entirely. This exacerbates the cycle of anxiety, making us feel dizzy, light-headed, and even more out of breath. Thus, it is essential to get into a mental preparation to breathe purposefully. First, close your eyes. Second, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, then push out your belly with each breath. This deep belly breathing and closing your eyes will help focus and center you.
Stand straight and open up your chest
Body language is significant in terms of how confident you look on the stage. Try this: hunch your shoulders slightly; now stand straight, allowing your chest area to come forward as your shoulders drop into their natural position. You certainly will look more professional!
Release Muscle Tension
When we get anxious, we tighten everything. We clench our jaw, tense our shoulders and squeeze our arms to our sides or in front of us. Our stomach gets tight too. This isn’t good for blood flow and anxiety. Try progressively relaxing your body by slowly relaxing each muscle, one at a time.
Let go of intrusive thoughts
Focus is one of your most important tools when it comes to reaching and engaging audiences. But you are human, which means off-the-grid thoughts will intrude when you don't want them to. Learn not to engage these thoughts or resist them. Instead, notice them, then let them float away! Come back to your message and its reception.
Turn the spotlight around
This is a visualization technique. Speaking in public can feel like standing alone in a hot bright spotlight. There, every move you make can add to the feeling that you are vulnerable. So in your mind, turn the spotlight around. Now you’re in the cool dark and the spotlight is on the audience.
Take all these steps together and you will have a systematic way to combat any kind of stage fright or performance anxiety.
