When it comes to public speaking or performing the majority of people when asked, would rather be struck by lightening! At some point in your career you will have to be making public appearances. Maybe for a presentation, a performance, a speech at a social function like a wedding or gala or even an interview. This can be one of the most dauting things for anyone.

Below I’ve outlined the top 10 tips that professionals use to help get over their fear.

10 TOP TIPS TO OVERCOME STAGE FRIGHT

1.   BE PREPARED

Make sure that you are prepared for your performance. This is the number one factor that most of the top speakers, performers and musicians quote as the overriding factor to avoid public appearance anxiety or stage fright as it is more commonly known. It’s a good idea to know your subject, practice as much as you can and get some honest feedback about your performance. Anything that comes up as ‘not quite right’ go over it until you are happy. Give yourself plenty of time for the preparation as well. It’s no use cramming a few hours before in the hope that it will be ‘alright on the night’. It might – but in the process you are creating unnecessary stress.

2.   BREATH!

Using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, stretching, massage, mediation etc can help greatly. I personally have found that Tai Chi has been really beneficial for calming everything down.  Any of these methods can help to lower the heart rate, clear the mind and create balance. Try different types and choose one that you feel comfortable with.

3.   YOU’RE NOT PERFECT!

So get over it! Remember that the audience has not spent their money to come and see you fail. They really want a good time and they are looking to you to do well. They will not know if you fluff your lines or play the wrong note. Not being perfect is why people pay to see live performances. It’s all part of the fun.

4.   MICKEY MOUSE

This is a method I was taught a few years ago by a really good actor, who used to suffer from stage fright a lot. He said that before he went on stage he imagined that the audience has great big Mickey Mouse ears and they look stupid. Try that now for yourself – doesn’t it give you a different feeling about being in front of them?

5.   BE POSITIVE

You know that little voice in your head? Yes that one – the one that talks to you all the time about how bad you are? Did you know that you can control it? Whenever you hear that little voice give it a name and then tell it to shut up! (I call mine Beryl). Then start to make it tell you wonderful things about yourself – “You are wonderful – You are a brilliant actress – You are a shining star – You’re a fantastic manager – You are a winner!”  The reasoning behind this is that the mind cannot tell the difference between what is true and what is a lie. So if you tell it positive things often enough it will believe it – then your body will eventually act on it.

6.   DRINK WATER

Try to drink your water at least 2 hours before your gig – this helps to stop “dry mouth” as it’s already in your system. If it does happen though, just chew on the inside of your jaw to bring up saliva. It really works!

7.   IT’S ONLY TEMPORARY

Just be aware that any anxiety that you are feeling once you’re “out there “ will pass as soon as you are into your flow which is, on average, about 10 mins into the show.

8.   DRAW A LINE

Under your past performances whether good or bad – let each performance be a chance to get it right this time. If you dwell on past mistakes or experience you will only subconsciously reinforce the bad behaviour and you won’t improve. Using NLP techniques can help you create positive mental pictures.

9.  STAGE FRIGHT IS GOOD!

What?! Yes that’s right – well at least a small amount is good. It’s what keeps you pepped-up for your performance. It keeps you aware and alert, so that you can deliver an outstanding performance. Many of today’s stars suffer from stage fright and proclaim that it helps them deliver a better show. The trick is following the tips above. Be prepared, be positive, use your imagination, use relaxation techniques etc.

10.  DON’T LOOK FOR APPROVAL

You are not there to gain your audiences approval. Your job is to deliver something of value; after all they have paid to see you. You love what you do and think it’s worth doing. You have something they want and they are willing to pay. You certainly won’t be able to “please all of the people all of the time” – no matter how hard you try. Your job is to deliver the best performance you can right now. You are trained, prepared, warmed up and ready to go -

Now go shine!

Jennifer Beaumont-Whyte is a Personal Performance Coach working closely with Music Industry Professionals – Artist and Mangers. For more information go to http://www.life-change.me