Are you the scared cat, a 'chicken' when performing in front of an audience or on a stage? That's alright, me too, initially. Stage fright is a common feeling to every performer everywhere. It does not matter if you are a newbie in performing or a pro. Even professional singers and talented individuals can fall prey to nerves, turning potentially fun singing experiences into dreadful and traumatic ordeals.
Here are some tips for reducing the impact of stage fright before, during, and after the performance.
Things To Do Before the Performance
First and foremost, since this is singing, do your vocal warm-ups. Knowing that your voice will sound croaky will not add confidence in you if you are about to sing. What you can do is drink plenty of water and proceed with your scale exercises.
Do not forget to ease up those tense muscles by doing some stretches. Try head rolls, shoulder shrugs, side bends, and toe-touches. Always remember the days when you are singing for the fun of it. This will makes you feel relax.
Try to amuse yourself. Stand before a mirror and make the goofiest possible face. Just think about it, whatever happens and whatever it is that you will look like on that stage, you won't look worse than that! Laugh and don't worry about looking foolish.
When it's time to take the stage, mentally pack your anxiety into a box and leave it behind. Start your performance without emotional baggage, and just go out there and have a good time. Your fun will be infectious!
Things To Do During the Performance
When you are onstage, you will feel nervous again. That's alright, face that fact and just let it pass by, roll with it. You will feel more relaxed and your nerves more tamed when you start singing. Stand tall and look proud. This will make you feel more confident. Your body language will affect your confidence level.
Look at the audience as one person instead of a group of people. Pretend that you are talking to a single person if you need to talk to the crowd. It creates an intimate atmosphere for the people, and shrinks your perception of the audience size.
You can use eye contact to fight nerves, too. Pick out a few friendly faces and focus on them while you sing. If you prefer not to make direct eye contact, focus on the back of the room, just above people's heads.
Handle everything like a pro that means even if you made a mistake. The show must go on is what we always say. Even the best performers can trip, miss a note, or forget the words. What sets them apart is how they handle these situations.
Remember, the audience is your friend. They don't want you to perform badly. They want to be entertained and they are rooting for you. Relax and have fun, and they will reward you with applause.
Things To Do After the Performance
After you are done with the performance, you will totally have forgotten that you are nervous in the first place! You will probably feel exhilarated and more than a little relieved. You might even feel regretful that it's over. Try to focus on this feeling and remember it the next time you feel nervous about taking the stage.
Stage fright can strike at any time, even if you've performed many times before. Don't let it stop you from singing your best. With these tricks up your sleeve, you'll be able to shrug off the nerves and sing your heart out!
Just keep in mind that even the pro get nervous on a big performance too. It's natural and let it roll by, you'll make it through just give it your best shot.
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