Strategies for Public Speakers

Whether you are preparing for a poetry reading class, a project presentation in front of your colleagues, or making that speech for your best friend's wedding, public speaking may be an inescapable part of your everyday life.

You may find yourself panicking right before your speech starts. No matter how prepared you are, you sometimes feel that hyperactive butterflies inside your stomach. Increased heartbeat, sweaty palms, dry throat and the list goes on...

Here are some strategies for public speaking:

1. Know your audience and tailor fit your speech according to your audience. Make sure that your points are relevant and that your comments are relevant to the group you're speaking to. For example, if you are speaking to a group of teenagers, tailor your comments to items like driving your first car or being at school – rather than references to social security or what it's like to have your children leave home for the first time.

2. Don't Be Late! By arriving earlier than the set schedule you will have ample time to familiarise yourself with your audience as well as the venue. And by checking the venue, you will avoid experiencing technical difficulties while you make that big speech.

3. Don't Eat Before Performing. If you tend to get nausea or butterflies in your stomach, then it is best to not have anything in there to begin with. Avoid food for at least two hours before performing.

Video: Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

A lot of us dread the thought of speaking in front of the public. Public speaking is just not on the top of the list of fun things to do for most people.

Here's a video clip of an interview with Mike Aguillera, a communication expert that talks about tips on how to overcome fear of public speaking.

Stage Fright Help: A Testimonial

Cassandra Gregg shares with us how she managed to overcome stage fright:

I approached StageCalm with some reservations. I had read several books purporting to offer solutions to the problem of stage fright, and once attended a weekend seminar on the subject. In each case, the problem was that these programs were very selectively targeted at one type of performance or another. I do not work in the entertainment industry, and am not a "performer" in the traditional sense. In the professional and academic arenas, however, I am often called upon to speak before groups of my peers, my mentors and sponsors, and occasionally my role models and heroes. Talk about sweaty palms!

The presentation of a "casual" speech to colleagues is, in many ways, very different from a theatrical or musical presentation. In a casual presentation, it is imperative that you be able to walk the fine line between sounding eloquent and sounding rehearsed. Your audience wants you to sound spontaneous and off-the-cuff, but does NOT want to hear you stammer and correct yourself (the way people do when actually speaking spontaneously). The other special challenge of this kind of presentation is the expertise of your audience. If you flub your lines at that podium, you can't just ad lib your way back to the script...

You either correct yourself, and quickly, or watch hands shoot up like weeds as your audience eagerly volunteers to correct your error. Sadly for me, I tend to blush furiously and completely lose my train of thought when publicly corrected.
Toss on top of all this the standard "everyone is staring at me"
nervousness, and I'm a wreck by the time I make it to the podium.

While I found a few pointers about breathing helpful, the programs I had tried in the past focused too much on stage performance to be of much use to me. To my delighted surprise, StageCalm is different! The tools are flexible enough to work with my non-traditional performance scenario, and already I have made significant progress toward my ultimate goal: consistently confident and comfortable presentations.

The biggest thing StageCalm did for me was to help me precisely identify and address the fears behind my stage fright. StageCalm's "Worry Control" guided me through an honest and thorough examination of my fears. In some cases, really examining the root of the fear was enough to eliminate it. Once I understood the fears that remained strong for me, it was easy to find the correct tools to help me minimize their effect on me. The Relaxation Training Manual was particularly helpful in showing me how to break free of what I had seen as the inevitable physical consequences of perceived stress. Now, even if I'm nervous, I can at least keep my body feeling calm.

Today, I got to put my newfound tricks into practice. My first speech since finding StageCalm was delivered to a relatively small group of eight colleagues. However, my boss was also present, which has traditionally been a major stage fright trigger for me. I can't say I wasn't nervous, but I was also excited and confident. My heartbeat stayed nice and even, I didn't get dizzy, and, best of all, I looked and sounded great! Not one stammer, ill-timed pause, or irrepressible blush. My boss couldn't stop raving about the improvement in my performance, and a colleague asked to use excerpts from my speech for his own presentation the following week!

I still have a way to go before I am as confident in front of a group as I would like to be, but, for the first time, I feel like it's possible for me to be at ease in the spotlight. On my own little stage, I can really shine!

Cassandra Gregg
Student
Santa Cruz, USA

Stage Fright Quiz

Does the thought of performing in front of a group of people make your palms sweat and your knees shake?

If so, you may have stage fright. The good news is, you're not alone. Many famous people, including actors, singers, and other public figures, have battled with stage fright at some point in their lives.

Click here to take the celebrity stage fright quiz and find the celebrity who shares your stage fright struggles.

Stage Fright For Singers

Have you ever wondered what to do during a stage fright attack? Here are some tips to remember when anxiety strikes while you're in the spotlight:

Remember to talk slowly. Not only will this make you more understandable to your audience, it will also give you time to calm down and remember what comes next. If you're feeling nervous and shaky, stand behind a podium so that it's not as obvious.

If you feel like you can't speak at that moment, ask the audience a question (that you've prepared ahead of time) to take the focus off of you. For example, if your presentation is on the number of sales your company has had in the last year, ask your group if they can guess that number. This will buy you some time to get back on track, while keeping your audience involved and entertained.

Most importantly, just remember to take it slow. That alone will help calm your nerves.

Stage Fright Video

Here's an engaging and informative video about stage fright from YouTube.

This video features interviews with performers about their personal experiences with stage fright, and offers some tips for coping with your own stage fright symptoms.

Enjoy!

Celebs with Stage Fright Part 2

Here's another round of celebrities who've fought the battle with stage fright



Gibson had caught the acting bug by the time he reached college age, and studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, Australia, despite what he describes as a crippling ordeal with stage fright. Luckily, this was something he overcame relatively quickly -- Gibson was still a student when he filmed Summer City. After his graduation, he quickly found work playing supporting roles for the South Australia Theatre Company.




Rod Stewart had such a bad case of stage fright during one concert that he sang an entire song while hiding behind a speaker stack. In 1968, the Rod Stewart-fronted Jeff Beck Group made its U.S. debut at New York's Fillmore East theater. Stewart was so nervous that he sang the entire first song from behind a stack of speakers.



Barbara Streisand stopped performing live for almost three decades after forgetting the lyrics to one of her songs during a 1967 Central Park concert. "Some performers really do well when they forget the words," Streisand told Diane Sawyer recently. "They forget the words all the time, but they somehow have humor about it. I remember I didn't have a sense of humor about it. I was quite shocked."

Stage Fright Attack: What Do I Do?

Have you ever wondered what to do during a stage fright attack? Here are some tips to remember when anxiety strikes while you're in the spotlight:

Remember to talk slowly. Not only will this make you more understandable to your audience, it will also give you time to calm down and remember what comes next. If you're feeling nervous and shaky, stand behind a podium so that it's not as obvious.

If you feel like you can't speak at that moment, ask the audience a question (that you've prepared ahead of time) to take the focus off of you. For example, if your presentation is on the number of sales your company has had in the last year, ask your group if they can guess that number. This will buy you some time to get back on track, while keeping your audience involved and entertained.

Most importantly, just remember to take it slow. That alone will help calm your nerves.

Stage fright and Work Presentations

Dreading that presentation to your managers and AVPs? Stage fright doesn't necessarily require a stage. It can strike just as easily during a presentation to your superiors, colleagues, or clients.

Here are some techniques to help you deliver a confident and eloquent work presentation:

Prepare. If you feel prepared and know your facts, then you will not be as nervous.

Practice. For any situation where the weight of public scrutiny is on you, spend as much time as possible practicing your delivery in a comfortable setting. When it's time for the real thing, you will be comfortable with the process even if the setting, be it boardroom or concert hall, is intimidating.

Take it slow. Remember that people naturally talk faster when they are nervous. Slow it down a notch and you will feel, and look, calm and in control.

Have a backup plan. Whether it is note cards or an excuse to leave and start over, have a backup plan that will save the day if your nerves become too much to handle. If you stumble, a graceful recovery can impress your audience. If worst comes to worst and you are unable to complete your presentation, a graceful exit will keep things positive, so that you don't begin your next attempt at a disadvantage.

Job Interviews & Stage Fright

Job interviews are performances, and they come with the stage fright to prove it! Here are some tips to help you land a starring role with an employer:

First, build a resume of which you are proud. This will get you most of the way through the interview, and will "speak for you" when you are too nervous to speak.

Second, familiarize yourself with the company, and with the position for which you will be interviewing. Memorize information that you can use during your interview. For example, if you want to work at a library, you could say "I've always wanted to be a children's librarian, and children's literature was my focus in college. I understand this library has the best collection of children's books in the state."

Third, create some questions about the position that you can ask at the end of the interview. It is best to memorize these, but also have a list available in your portfolio in case you forget. If you get too nervous while in the interview, just open up your portfolio and ask one of your prepared questions.

Finally, practice with a friend. Have a friend who's been through several interviews ask you questions. If you need inspiration for the questions, there are many books available with interview questions and suggested answers.

Stage Fright Cop

Video from YouTube

A policeman struggles with stage fright while singing the National Anthem.

This article has tips for musicians on overcoming stage fright.

Stage Fright Remedies, Natural and Prescription

Stage fright can be a major obstacle for an aspiring performer. For some people, relaxation exercises and positive affirmations can minimize or eliminate the symptoms of stage fright. Others find that natural or prescription medications are effective in helping them control their symptoms.

There are a wide variety of natural substances purported to have calming properties. Chamomile tea, perhaps the best known herbal relaxation aid, may help you begin your presentation feeling relaxed.
Lavender is also said to be very relaxing, and an infusion of three lavender flower heads added to a cup of hot water may be very effective in reducing stress. Valerian induces relaxation as well, but be careful. Valerian is potent and can leave you sleepy, making it a more appropriate aid for achieving a good night's sleep before your performance than for reducing stress before you take the spotlight.

There are also several prescription medications, such as Ativan and Inderal, that may offer significant relief from the symptoms of stage fright. These reduce or eliminate the physical symptoms of stage fright, such as sweating and tremors. Some performers find these medications effective against stage fright symptoms that persist in the face of other treatments.

Check with your doctor before beginning the use of any remedy, natural or prescription. Many prescription medications have side effects you should consider carefully before making a decision, and many natural remedies can also be potent allergens.


Interested in learning more about drugs and medications for stage fright? Click here.

If you need help in overcoming your stage fright, visit:
www.stagefrighthelp.com.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts!

Found an article you really liked? An article that helped you, or that left you with something to say?

Visit the comments page for all our articles at: stagefrighthelp.com
Whether you have a comment, a tip, or a stage fright story of your own to tell, we want to hear from you!

Watch for more articles and tips on overcoming stage fright!

Ways to Overcome Stage Fright

When struggling with stage fright, the important things to remember are:

* Practice and prepare for the big event!
* Relax.
* Ask for help from an expert.
* Stay confident!

"Sure," you say, "it sounds like a piece of cake when you put it like that... but how?" For helpful information on using relaxation, practice, professional help, and/or confidence-building exercises to beat your stage fright, visit us at stagefrighthelp.com.

Battling with Fright on Stage

Here are some tips to battle stage fright:

1. Find a calm moment
2. Take a deep breath.
3. Imagine the audience as one.
4. Take a Drink
5. Have a Mantra

You can read more about this articles at stagefrighthelp.com

Boy with Stage Fright

Stage fright is funny from the outside, especially when the performer's a cute kid. It's anything but funny from the inside. Our sympathies go out to this little boy, along with some serious congratulations! He struggles to complete his performance through an attack of stage fright that would have sent many an adult performer running for the hills...

Find ways to help your child overcome stage fright >> Stage Fright Help

Celebrities with Stage Fright

Celebrities and famous public speakers have all fought their own battles with stage fright! For many, the struggle continues even after they have made their names, and their fortunes, as performers.

Kim Bassinger
Even after decades of success on the silver screen, the idea of performing in front of a live audience causes Ms. Basinger's stage fright to rear its head. Here's what the actress had to say about performing on the live stage: "It's a fear of mine. I've been asked many times to come to Broadway... (and) I have a tendency to go toward anything I fear." - taken from actressarchives.com

Scarlett Johansen
For Ms. Johansson, it's public appearances offstage that trigger stage fright. Speaking of awards ceremonies and the like, she had this to say "I don't really enjoy them. I actually have horrible stage fright when it comes to those things." - taken from http://www.actressarchives.com/
The actress says she gets through her stage fright attacks by focusing on her outfit! What makes you feel more confident as you take the spotlight?

Elvis Presley
The King himself was not immune to stage fright... as shown by the following quote:
"I've never gotten over what they call stage--fright. I go through it every show. I'm pretty concerned, I'm pretty much thinking about the show. I never get completely comfortable with it, and I don't let the people around me get comfortable with it, in that I remind them that it's a new crowd out there, it's a new audience, and they haven't seen us before. So it's got to be like the first time we go on." - taken from http://quotations.about.com

Does your stage fright bring out thoughts or feelings you could channel to improve your performance?

Some of our greatest performers have struggled with stage fright in the past, and continue to do so today. For many, the answer lies not in vanquishing their stage fright, but in finding ways to work with it. Do any of the manifestations of your stage fright- symptoms, thoughts, physical reactions- have the potential to become positive motivators in your performance?

Visit www.stagefrighthelp.com for free articles about overcoming stage fright.

Afraid of the Spotlight?

As you stand behind that red curtain, your heart is pounding fast, your knees are wobbly, your palms are sweating, your feet seemed to be glued on the platform on which you're standing, and you suddenly feel sick.

The curtains open, and you are blinded by the bright lights. You've forgotten your lines. You try again, but nothing is coming out of your mouth. These are manifestations of performance anxiety.

Stage Fright, also known as topophobia, is defined as a fear of speaking or performing in public. Whether you are preparing for your first public speech, your first stage play or your first recital, stage fright is one of the most common problems of performers.

This meltdown often occurs when anticipating a performance in public. Self – consciousness is one of the causes of stage fright. Other causes include fear of not being able to satisfy an audience, and fear of delivering a poor performance. For experienced speakers or performers, past performance problems can cause anxiety, as can fear of failure to meet the expectations of an audience.

Whatever the cause may be, stage fright can be eliminated or cured. There are ways to minimize the symptoms of stage fright, or eliminate this crippling fear altogether. There are various methods and strategies you can use to overcome stage fright. One helpful website about overcoming stage fright is: http://www.stagefrighthelp.com/

Do not let stage fright hinder you from achieving your lifelong dream. Start overcoming it now!

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