Overcoming Stage Fright

Some people appear to be natural born performers, cool, calm and focused when on stage. Then, there are those who must toil at their craft in order to go before an audience and deliver an accomplished show. In either case, stage fright can be a roadblock to success. Although there are no sure cures for performance anxiety, there are ways to lessen its effects.

Courage and a sense of comfort in the spotlight are helpful, whether you're singing, playing music, acting, dancing, or doing stand-up comedy. It's about confidence in yourself, so it's important to properly prepare before getting in front of an audience. Rehearsal is an essential. Know your material before you go public with it. Concentrate on the work itself rather than any discomfort you might be experiencing. Achieving relaxation through exercise (including pre-show stretching), deep breathing, and meditative techniques can defray frazzled nerves. One thing you might not want to do: Drink a gallon of coffee. No one who’s feeling anxious needs that much of a caffeine buzz.

Don't fixate on mistakes that you might make. Assume things will go well, and that the audience is on your side since they are there to see you. You've chosen to be an artist. Think about the joy of expressing yourself through your art, and bringing that joy to others. Even if something goes wrong during a performance, it's not the end of the world. Don't panic. Just stay on course. Be assured that you can deal with challenges and recover from setbacks.

There are little things you can do before a show to keep the jitters under control. Get to the venue early to give yourself plenty of time to get settled in. Chat with friends and colleagues about anything on your mind -- other than stage fright. Keep a sense of humor, and try to laugh a bit; laughter is a genuine tension-reliever. And have fun out there. You should have a passion to perform if you’re going to do it. Embrace that passion, and it will help you dispel your fears.