Stage fright is a common fear. It is the fear of performing in front of audience whether it is a school play, a business presentation or a speech in front of a larger audience. The very idea of talking to a large audience makes some people break in a cold sweat and render them speechless. However, something as simple as this is all it takes to lose a perfect business opportunity or lose a chance to fame. Some simple techniques can help get rid of stage fright.
Arrive at the venue before others. This gives you an opportunity to get comfortable with the space and get a feel of it. Practice the upcoming session or performance by yourself, using the stage or podium so that when you actually perform, you don’t feel like you are doing new. Greet the audience in a friendly manner and try and build a rapport with them. It helps for the performer to feel like he knows the audience as it removes the fear of the unknown.
If you do fumble right in the beginning, do not apologize. Ignore the whole thing so that you know you have not attracted any unwanted attention. Try and keep your heart rate steady and continue. Long breathes can help a lot in keeping you calm and composed. Try to look confident, even if you don’t feel it because once you get in the whole process of performing or presenting, things will fall in to place as you practiced.
Focus on the content of presentation or speech. It makes the audience focus on the performance or the presentation instead of focusing on you alone. It gives you sufficient time to compose yourself. Have superior content so that everyone notices it and the general quality of the presentation is good, even if your presenting skills are not excellent.
Don’t panic and don’t think about the performance at all. You must remember your life doesn’t depend on it. Try and get an attitude that says “I have nothing to lose”. Try deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and remove all tension from your body. Your best bet is to try and make your mind believe that you are performing in front of no one and they, the audience don’t know a word of what you are about to present this helps in exuding confidence. It is easier said than done, but those with an active imagination can manage this trick and it is the best trick in the book. The worst stage fright attacks happen just before the performance. If you can use meditation and breathing exercises through this period, the remaining performance will carry through if your practice sessions have been rock solid.
