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I Think I’m Losing It!
Tips and Techniques to Rein in that Fear Right at the Podium.

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It can be really tough for those with stage fright to go up in front of an audience to give their speeches, plays, musicals and more. 

Yet, it’s also very limiting to just avoid those uncomfortable situations.  There are ways to help reduce stress and anxiety right up on the stage.  These techniques only need to be practiced before hand and utilized whenever the symptoms of stage fright begin to take hold. 

It can get tough to remember to use relaxation techniques during a stressful situation; luckily these tips are very simple and easy to remember. 

1. Find a Calm Moment

When first stepping up to the podium or on stage wait a few moments before speaking.  Find that calm moment in the middle of anxious thoughts, and then use it to start the speech off right. 

This can consist of taking a couple of slow breaths and waiting until the moment feels right to start speaking.  The audience won’t notice any difference in a few extra moments of quiet before the presentation begins.  It will simply look to them as if the presenter is collecting his thoughts. 

2. Take a Deep Breath

When those nervous sensations start creeping up during the presentation, take one or two deep breaths.  This has the same effect as it does when practiced before the speech by forcing the mind to calm down and forcing the body to stop for just a few seconds.  Then, wait for the right moment and start back up again. 

3. Imagine the Audience as One Person

Many times, the old adage, imagine the audience wearing only their underwear is spouted as a good technique for stemming stage fright.  Using the imagination is a great technique, but instead, try to imagine everyone in the audience as just being one collective person.  This can help by making the speech feel more informal and giving the mind the impression that this ‘big’ presentation is only a simple conversation between two people.

4.  Take a Drink

Again, this is another useful technique for stopping the speech to allow the mind and body to calm back down.  Before giving the speech, take a bottle of water or a cup of coffee up to the podium.  If stage fright starts to take over, reach for the bottle of water under the guise of having a dry mouth. 

5. Have a Mantra

Often stage fright and anxiety can turn to panic when the mind realizes the body is reacting to a stressful situation through any number of symptoms including; stuttering, shaking and sweating.  There can also be the beginnings of a helpless mantra.  Inner thoughts like ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I’m going to pass out’ are all encouraging that stage fright to take over.  Counteract the helpless mantra with a self-reliant mantra like, ‘I’m doing well’ and ‘I am calm’ to keep the negative thoughts from taking over.

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