How to Deal with Stage Fright
Stage fright can happen to the best of us. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Barbara Streisand, Glenn Close, a newbie actor, or an experienced public speaker. One time or another, you will experience stage fright. It’s the most natural thing in the world.
Of course, the best stage performers and actors are those who are able to overcome stage fright and wow the audience with their talent. They rise above being human and being vulnerable, to shine and show off their god-given talents. You can do this too through these simple steps.
Relax
The first step in overcoming stage fright is to relax. Tension is one of the worse deterrents to a good performance. Therefore, you must try to loosen up.
You can work towards relaxation by starting with some breathing exercises. Quick, uneven breathing deprives your body of the wonders of oxygen. Breathe in deeply. Fill your lungs and let the air stay there for a while. Release the air in a paced and even exhalation. This regulates the rhythm of your breath, and calms down your nerves.
Next is to do some stretching exercises. Stretching releases tense muscles and nerves. Keep your stretch for at least twenty seconds each. Roll your neck from side to side. Stretch your arms, chest, back, and legs.
Be prepared
One of the scariest things in the world is to have to present to a group of people. It is doubly frightful if you are not prepared for your presentation. Hence, one of the best ways to deal with stage fright is to come ready, and be sure of what you need to do and say. It won’t help to have taken the first step, and be all relaxed if you’ll just come up on stage and be unable to utter the first lines. When that happens, you’re sure to revert back to the ball of nerves that you were just a few minutes ago.
Memorize your part well, and rehearse. Do dry runs at home or in front of your friends. Every line, every step, and every song that you have to do should be flowing through you by the time you step on the actual stage.
Make contact
One of the oldest piece of advice about dealing with stage fright is to imagine your audience naked. Well, you can try but this doesn’t always work. It is better to strive to make contact with them. Don’t see them as a group – this one big audience, in front of you, ready to judge you. See them as individuals, eager to see and experience your show.
Try to make eye contact with the members of your audience and you’d naturally get into an assured and steady performance.
Experiencing stage fright is quite common. However, once you get used to performing or speaking in front of an audience, you’ll be able to wow the viewers with your wit and talent.
Photo Credit : gonc._a
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