Stage fright as an adult?

Question

Does anyone have any "adult" tricks of the trade for getting over public speaking?

Imagining everyone in the audience naked = doesn't work.
Remembering that no one has ever died of stage fright = there's always a first and it'll probably be me.
Making it light / telling jokes = I can't even say what I've rehearsed much less ad lib something funny.
No one knows except you that you are nervous = I blush, I shake, I have a jittery voice - yup everyone can tell; unless they're asleep because I'm so monotonous.

I don't think I qualify for pathological or medical stage fright, but if anyone has any methods that helped them, I would appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks!

Answer 1

STEP 1: Review the performance skills you have practiced and learned.
STEP 2: Prepare all your work thoroughly. Knowing your job will greatly reduce your anxiety.
STEP 3: Double-check that you have the correct printed editions of all your music.
STEP 4: Put yourself in control of everything within your sphere of influence. For instance, check out your performance space
STEP 5: Avoid being rushed or distracted on the day of your performance.
STEP 6: Practice your relaxation skills before performing
STEP 7: Take an imaginary journey through your performance from beginning to end, soothing your mind during the quiet time before your entry.
STEP 8: Use deep breathing to calm your body
STEP 9: Offer yourself as the medium through which the composer's or playwright's spirit and intention will flow.
STEP 10: Be generous and eager to share your gift.
STEP 11: Make your performance a celebration, not a trial

Answer 2

Ohhh! A fun question!!!

I (used) to write songs and (for a very few friends) would occasionally play guitar and sing for them. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Even harder than asking a girl out for the first time! (I have injured my hand and can't play for the moment).

But you know, I figured 'they are the ones watching, I am the one doing it'. 'If they didn't want to take part in this, they would be over there talking to that cute redhead'!!! 'Oh, yeah! That redhead is walking this way and leaving the rest of the gang behind! Kewl! Coming this way!'

Okay, that's a little bit of exageration! But I was doing something they couldn't (wouldn't)! I didn't feel better than them! But I did think 'I am doing something that they are not'! I thought of myself as a member of a band (a group) just doing my part!

The audience was (is) always polite enough to applaude or give appreciation in some way. At one event (I took 3rd place in a tallent event), I got a standing ovation from a local motercycle club (The 1st and 2nd place spots were members). What a kewl feeling! Went out and bought a motorcycle - (No, I did not join). But I did have a year of fun with that machine!

In either case, one has to have the guts to do what is right. Give it a go Joe! You will be happy you did! That and it will make you someone to contend with in your future!

As Nike' says - Just Do It!

The Ol' Sasquatch Ü

Answer 3

While there are no sure fire ways other than experience and hope, there are some good tricks to get your mind off of speaking in public.

Before I perform I take deep breaths (in through the nose and out through the mouth!) to calm and prep myself. While in the spotlight a good trick is to look above the audience. Find a fixed spot at the back to the room such as an exit sign or a clock to keep your eyes. The audience will not be in your line of sight and may help to calm your nerves. Another good trick is to pretend that there is no one around (though this one is harder). Get yourself in your own little glass box and do your think, just as if you were practicing all by yourself.

Don't worry! Some of the worlds best performers and speakers still get nervous at the though of speaking in public. Just keep calm, make sure you know your material to the "T" and cross your fingers. :-D

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Practice, practice, practice ----and be a team. Those who you may imagine in the audience to judge you harshly (and all the potential stuff that could be said! staggering) mostly don't really exist. Even people that may not like you will respect you for being brave enough to go on stage. And if you fear letting peers in the audience down by your performance (or even your nervousness) know that half the people will be relieved if you don't do well! So practice and have fun delivering the gift you will give. Then you can relax and know it will be mostly received in this same measure.For your team will have something to show. Worthy.

Answer 5

It really depends on what you are doing on the stage. If you are telling jokes or a story or giving a presentation then knowing your content backwards and forwards is key. That will give you confidence...then, it is really a matter of doing it. There are a number of techniques. You could have one (only one) drink to calm your nerves, you can simply pick one spot on the back of the wall and focus there. The key is to seem natural...to be yourself. Watch videos of comedians like Jeff Foxworthy and Ellen Degeneres...look at how natural they are. Nothing beats practice.

Answer 6

I used to get so nervous speaking in front of a group when I was in junior high. When I was in college, I took a speech class, and I aced the class! The difference was my composure, and the way I viewed myself. It is true that what you think of yourself reflects in your actions, and then everyone else will think of you the same way. Just relax, stay calm, practice in the mirror a couple times, however many it takes until you are truly comfortable. Then, ask a couple of friends to sit and listen to your speech. It may take a couple times, but you'll get over it.

Answer 7

This condition rarely cures itself by self-talk. I have to do a lot of public speaking (both at work and onstage at community theater). I used to be exactly like you describe, and was miserable. I then began taking Paxil
(which is approved for shyness) and an occasional Valium when the situation calls for it. These have worked miracles for me. If you are not adverse to the use of medications, you may want to talk with your doctor about it.

Answer 8

Stage fright as an adult can be a serious problem. Carly Simon had problems with it, it seems she has overcome this problem. Perhaps you can find out how she did it and that info can help you. Perhaps you should check out this website for a CD that can help.
http://www.thinkrightnow.com

Best wishes!

Answer 9

One thing i have tried is to find a point just above the peoples heads.
It will look to them, that you are looking at them. but you are actually looking over their heads.
Its not a quick fix, but it does help to take a bit of nerve off.
Try with family and try not to worry what the audience will think.

Answer 10

You might think about entering some seminars or work groups. Starting off small generally helps