Banishing stage fright is easier than you might think.
Overcoming stage fright does not have to be an arduous process laced with therapy visits and motivation seminars. You have an arsenal of tips and tricks that are right at your fingertips and are easy on your wallet. Mirrors, video cameras and meditation are just a few of the tools and resources that can obliterate stage fright from your lexicon of performance anxiety. With a little time and effort, your singing gigs can be stress free and satisfying.
Instructions
1. Feel totally confident. You can feel confident by practicing your song to complete perfection and reciting affirmations such as, "I am a superb singer and my audience loves me." Writing down your affirmations for days leading up to your performance can help build your confidence while alleviating stress and anxiety.
2. Rehearse in the exact location where you will perform. Doing this will equip you with a feeling of comfort and familiarity to help ease any tension you might feel during the actual performance. Not only will rehearsing in the performance space acquaint you with the logistics of the stage, it will give you an idea of what it will feel like to sing in front of your audience. You will know the potential size of your audience, how near or far away they will be from you physically, and how your voice will travel to them.
3. Practice performing in front of a mirror. This might seem silly, but you would be surprised how much this can help you. If you don't feel good about performing in front of yourself, chances are you will not feel good about performing in front of an audience full of unfamiliar faces.
4. Video tape a rehearsal and watch it. When you watch yourself on video you see and hear your performance from the audience's perspective. You can catch and adjust any stage faux pas like awkward body language and weird facial expressions. Fine tuning your singing performance will build your confidence and give you command of the stage.
5. Rehearse for an audience. The more you sing in front of people, the more comfortable you will feel onstage. Start by performing for close friends and family, and then broaden your mock audience by extending an invitation to anyone and everyone who will listen. If you are feeling adventurous, ask them for friendly critiques and suggestions.
6. Meditate or do breathing exercises before your performance. Meditating will relax you and breathing exercises will calm you. Be sure to find a quiet space where you can be alone and undisturbed. Decide what time span works best for you. Five minutes of meditation is better than none.
7. Have fun onstage. This is probably the most important step to overcoming stage fright. Enjoy and savor every moment of the limelight. Smile and encourage audience participation when appropriate. Audiences love to watch a singer enjoying herself.
