How can someone overcome stage fright?

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Do you get nervous when you have to speak in front of a crowd? Stage fright is common and understandable. Remember, "the only way to become comfortable with being uncomfortable is to do it." So, if you want to perform at an open mic, a stand-up comedy night, or even a singing show, you can do it. Whatever your reason for not wanting to speak in front of others, the following tips may help you overcome stage fright and gain an understanding of how to become mentally strong enough as a performer. 

What is Stage Fear? 

Stage fright is a common phobia that causes people to feel anxious and uneasy when confronted with a stage. Stage fright can be so overwhelming that it makes it difficult to perform in front of an audience. 

Stage fright can strike at any point during a performance. The anticipation of the performance causes anxiety, which can manifest as physical symptoms such as shortness of breath and nausea. Learning how to control stage fright can help, but in some cases, it may require the assistance of a doctor or other health professional. It can be quite disabling when triggered by the thought of being judged.  Stage fright can be extremely debilitating and prevent you from giving your best performance. 

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Taking Steps to Overcome Your Fear

Learning to improve your speaking or performance skills is beneficial, but it is rarely enough to significantly reduce your fear. Any negative perceptions, beliefs, thoughts, images, or predictions about public speaking or performing must be addressed and revised. And it's frequently useful in uncovering deeper fears about being seen and heard by others, showing vulnerability, and being judged as less than perfect. Learning to accept yourself and not feel the need to prove yourself to others is central to healing. 

It is advised that you learn skills to reduce and manage your fear and anxiety rather than relying solely on medication or natural products. It is also critical to learn cognitive-behavioral techniques to break the cycle of avoiding frightening situations. Avoidance may provide immediate relief, but it ultimately reinforces your fear.

Some people choose medication or natural remedies to help alleviate their performance anxiety symptoms. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. 

You will develop an empowering belief and trust in yourself if you are willing to stop avoiding your fears and learn new skills to reduce and manage them. By confronting your fear, you can overcome performance anxiety and find comfort and ease in expressing yourself in front of others. 

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To help you overcome stage fright, try the following suggestions:

• Shift the focus from yourself and your fear to your true purpose—contributing something of value to your audience.
• Stop scaring yourself with thoughts about what might go wrong. Instead, focus your attention on thoughts and images that are calming and reassuring.
• Refuse to think thoughts that create self-doubt and low confidence.
• Practice ways to calm and relax your mind and body, such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, yoga, and meditation.
• Exercise, eat well, and practice other healthful lifestyle habits. Try to limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol as much as possible.
• Visualize your success: Always focus on your strength and ability to handle challenging situations.
• Prepare your material in advance and read it aloud to hear your voice.
• Make connections with your audience: Smile and greet people, thinking of them as friends rather than enemies.
• Stand or sit in a self-assured, confident posture. Remain warm and open and make eye contact.
• Give up trying to be perfect and know that it is OK to make mistakes. Be natural, be yourself.

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Remember that everyone experiences nervousness at times. "Yeah, whatever," you're probably thinking. Nonetheless, it is true that any performer can overcome stage fright. If you want to improve your public speaking skills, you must get out there and start speaking. The first step is to determine whether you are suffering from nerves or a full-blown anxiety disorder; the former can be helped by following the advice above, while the latter can be helped by seeking anxiety counseling to learn different ways to boost your confidence.