How can I overcome stage fright/nervousness?

Question

Everytime I make a presentation in front of an audience, I always feel nervous that's why I always end up with a presentation that is unfulfiled,I always make a bad presentation due to my nervousness,now what can I do to overcome it.

Answer 1

stop believing that you have this stage fright/nervousness dilemma

Answer 2

First of all, try to really embody the character you are auditioning for. For me, I had horrible stage fright. And if I'm speaking in front of a crowd for a report or something, i still do. But when I am acting, it isn't ME in front of those people. It is my character. That helped me relax a lot once I began to become the character. Also, remember that being in front of a camera is not as nerve wracking as being in front of a crowd. You will never have to encounter the response of the audience face to face. And while casting directors can be terrifying, remember that the times that they seem rude or abrupt, it is just because they are busy. Being cut off in the middle of an audition is not always a bad thing. I have been cut off in the middle of every audition that I've gotten the part for. It was just that they saw all that they needed to. They seem like stone, but it's strictly professional. It doesn't mean they're sitting there thinking you're awful. Finally, get a good nights rest before the audition. You don't want to be tired. Dress professionally, and they'll take you more seriously. Breathe a lot, and keep a hold on reality. Break a leg!

Answer 3

Best way of getting rid of any kind of phobia or fright is to expose yourself to it as much as you can. You can start off small, with just small audiences and then gradually bigger and bigger groups of people.

Is there anything specific about the situation you are afraid of? Like, you might not be afraid to stand in front of people, but afraid to say or do certain things. Then be sure to do these things whenever you get the chance.

The only thing that can make these things even worse, is every time you decide to avoid the situations you fear. It can make any phobia worse, so do not allow your self to back out.

There was a good advice prevoius here, about what to do right then and there. When you are about to go out on stage, or in front of any other audience that frightens you, then do some relaxation, meditate or breathing-exercises. Might be that something else relaxes you more than any of these suggestions. I myself prefer just to listen to some music before exams, to take myself mentally away from the situation that stresses me.

One thing that is really helpful is if you have prepared a lot before the presentation. If you know your stuff well, in and out, so well that you don't really need a text with you, then you don't have to think about forgetting, and you also know that this was a good presentation the night before, so it will still be a good presentation today.

So my advice is exposure, some personal way to relax yourself, and being well prepared. Also, ask someone to give you positive feedback afterwards, so you'll know you did great, even if you feel like you did bad
When you see that things go well, and that people give you good feedback, the fright will eventually go away

Good luck to ya'!

Answer 4

I also have this poblem. People told the best way to do is to make a presentatin in front of an audience quite often. The more you do it, the more you will be used to it. I am a Human Resource officer in a factory. I am responsible for employee training programs, by which I mean I act like a teacher to teach things. I was very nervous when I first started, but I feel better now, although there are still room for improvement.

Answer 5

This is what worked for me back in highschool: I'd imagine someone I actually wanted to share my speech or performance with (I was in drama for a while) sitting in the back of the room, and focus on that point; that way I'd also have a smile on my face if I needed one. I was told by my drama teacher that if you look just above the eyeline of the audience, that they can't tell the difference. That's if you have a large audience though. If you have a smaller audience, something like breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques would probably be better; I was never comfortable with small audiences! :)

Answer 6

I have to give presentations a lot in my job. If I know my subject matter I am less nervous but, if I'm a little vague with my information I get nervous.

For that short period of time whilst standing up there in front of people, you have to be a little arrogant, it will bring out your confidence and make people believe in what you are saying. I don't mean be rude but you have pretend that you are the ****!

I like to think to myself just before starting, "you are all my bitches" It works but you have believe in what you are selling.

Rehearsals are vital to a successful presentation as well! Rehearse rehearse rehearse!!!!!

Answer 7

How come the one can overcome the fear of swimming?

ONLY BY GOING TO THE WATER FOR SEVERAL TIMES ONLY!

otherwise, howsoever you tried, and how many times you do that, will not bring efficiency in it.

Just, try to stand in front of the audience for some times, even without speaking any thing. Or else, you read some thing written previously by you! Make some gestures, and free body language in the course of your talk, then, slowly your fear will begin to vanish in just 15 to 20 minutes.

Answer 8

Seriously, just believe in yourself. The reason you are nervous is because you're scared of what the audience thinks of you. Really, it doesn't matter what they think of you, only what YOU think of you. Believe in yourself -- tell yourself that you're interesting, smart, beautiful, funny, and any other good things you can think of. You are what you believe you are -- so believe great things!!

Answer 9

Breathe very deeply - into a brown paper bag. It will calm your nerves immediately. Try and focus on one person in the audience, and speak only to him/her.
Good luck

Answer 10

Get rid of all your shyness and don't think about how they think about you just think that you are doing what you want, right?

In my case when i am infront of our class i don't care about everything they would think about me i just make them happy.
In short Don't care about the people care about what you do.

If you are acting focus on your character and what he/she is goin' to do. I you are Declaiming try to convince the people about your peace, same with oration.


Hope this Helps 'coz i myself have no more Shyness and Pride left in me.