If you are like most people, you likely experience some degree of stage fright, as the fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears people report. While some people have only a mild case of the jitters when stepping up to speak or perform, many others have a much higher level of performance anxiety. The fear of public speaking or performance, often called stage fright, exacts a huge toll on self-confidence and self-esteem. Many, including seasoned professional performers, suffer in silent terror. And because they feel embarrassed, people try to keep their fear a secret, even from a spouse or other close family members or friends.
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What is Stage Fear? Somebody once rightly said. “The human brain is a wonderful organ. It begins functioning the moment you are born and does not stop until you are called upon to deliver a speech!” The most carefully prepared speeches are never heard because of this mind block called Stage Fear, Nerves and Topophobia.
As humans, we’re hardwired to worry about our reputation above almost all things. There are primitive parts of your brain that control your reaction to threats on your reputation, making these reactions extremely difficult to control. When you are seated in the audience, waiting for your turn to speak, you start thinking: Ooh, look at the size of the audience! , Oh God, what will happen if I cannot even utter a word, they all seem to be so clever. I’m making a fool out of myself, suppose someone picks an argument with me….. What will people say!! And in order to LOOK good, we start compromising on FEEL Good Factor.
All these thoughts make you a trifle anxious, this increases your heartbeat, you start breathing faster and 10, the next thing you know is that your mouth has dried up, your knees go wonky, your mind goes blank and you are in the grip of that universal phenomenon called Stage Fear. When your brain senses your anxiety, it signals the release of extra amounts of Adrenaline an energy giving fluid into your body to help you combat the anxiety. An inexperienced person does not know how to handle this extra flow of adrenaline resulting in any or all the above manifestations of Stage fear.
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So, what do you do?
• You start wringing your hands; you drum your fingers on the table/podium.
• You tap a pencil or keep pressing the on / off button of your pen.
• You scratch your hair.
• You tap your foot or both your feet.
• You lean on the podium / table.
• You keep removing your spotless spectacles, clean with a kerchief, put them on, and only to remove them a minute later, clean them.
• You grip the mike tightly.
• You keep pulling your \ ears, digging your nose or rubbing your eyes.
• You put your hands in your pocket.
• You start jingling coins while your hands are in the pocket.
And in short, you have lost your confidence to speak.
I find that a body, mind, spirit approach is most helpful for those who struggle with stage fright. Below are some ideas you may find useful
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BODY
Most people feel very worried about people detecting their symptoms of high anxiety when speaking or performing. The good news is that these symptoms are not as detectable as you may think, even though they can make you feel a loss of control and distract you from fully focusing on the content of your presentation or performance.
Here are some tips to work on calming the Fight or Flight reaction and easing your physical symptoms:
1. ACCEPT ANY ANXIOUS FEELINGS you are having and learn to not be afraid of your fear. Your fear will ease naturally as you focus on thoughts and images that help you feel safe and grounded rather than thoughts that fuel more anxiety and self-doubt.
2. BREATHE SLOWLY AND DEEPLY and focus on releasing and relaxing any tension that you are holding in your body. Slow down your pace of speaking and moving and try to stay in the present moment as much as possible.
3. CREATE A BODY POSTURE that expresses a relaxed, natural ease and a “Can do” attitude. Smile and create an open, relaxed, confident stance. This will give a message to your nervous system that you are steady and can handle the challenge up ahead.
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MIND:
It is important to realize we have a choice in how we think and it is up to us to direct our minds to think in ways that support us rather than undermine us.
Here are some tips to help your mind work for you rather than against you:
1. DIRECT YOUR MIND away from any negative, fear-inducing thoughts and toward more supportive, empowering thoughts and images. Notice anytime your mind shifts back to fear-based thinking and continue to redirect your mind as many times as you need to. You will be training your mind to be your ally in this process.
2. KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE and do not succumb to frustration or anger with yourself, no matter how challenging your experience may be. Be willing to accept exactly where you are in this moment rather than getting caught up with where you think you should be.
3. GET PERSPECTIVE on yourself and your situation. Smile and feel yourself lighten up as you remind yourself that it’s not Olympics u are fighting. Bring your situation down to size, realizing that fear and anxiety distort the reality of the situation and make things seem much scarier than they really are.
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SPIRIT
Learning to cultivate your spiritual nature allows you to access your higher self and also creates the possibility for deeper healing from this fear. Fear can act as a catalyst for your personal and spiritual growth and lead to many hidden blessings when you approach this challenge in a more conscious and mindful way.
Here are some tips to help you access your spiritual nature as you face this challenge:
1. RELAX YOUR NEED FOR CONTROL after you have done the prep work. Learn to go with the flow and allow whatever happens to be okay, trusting that things will turn out okay for you.
2. BE A WILLING SPIRIT and let go of any resistance you have to speaking or performing. Be willing to do whatever is being asked of you with an open heart and generous spirit.
3. TAKE THE FOCUS OFF YOURSELF and remember, it’s not about you! Don’t make this a proving ground for yourself. Instead, connect more deeply with individuals in your audience and focus on your true purpose, which is to contribute in whatever way you can to benefit others.
Many people are tempted to avoid speaking or performing situations so as not to feel the fear. While this will provide immediate relief, it usually worsens the fear over time. Instead of avoiding, I encourage you to practice using these tools in a safe and supportive setting and yippee…you will feel much relaxed whenever you face the stage again.
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