Stage fright is a common occurrence, and for many people, it is more terrifying than death. Stage fright, also known as performance anxiety, is the fear of performing in front of an audience.
Preparing your speech or presentation before the big day provides reassurance in and of itself. With enough practise (and lots of it), you’ll realise that messing up your speech is less likely. And if something goes wrong, you’ll know you were as prepared as you could be and put your best foot forward.
Here are four behaviours to help you overcome your fear of public speaking:
1. Plan ahead of time before you practise.
If practising is the muscle that must be flexed in order to overcome stage fear, then preparation is the strategy. Even in the most basic terms, proper preparation entails understanding what you’re going to say. Even if it’s just a few of bullet points, write down your speech or presentation notes!
2. Get feedback
While there is a reason you were asked to speak publicly (you are worthy! ), getting someone else’s feedback on your speech may increase your courage. Receiving good feedback might help you improve your presentation and enhance your confidence.
3. Rethink the scenario
While avoiding stage fear (or the next speech) may be difficult, reframing the issue will help you to approach the impending deadline with less dread and more positivity. See every speech, regardless of experience level, as an opportunity to develop your public speaking skills. Find your source of inspiration and work towards it.
4. Take a deep breath
When the big moment approaches and you’re ready to take the stage, the fear may still be there – and that’s good! You’ve practised and polished your speech, so all you have to do now is remember to breathe. Raising both arms high and breathing slowly and deeply is one approach to do this.
Although it is hard to completely overcome stage fright, with practise and the correct mindset, it is possible to set it aside and produce a well-crafted and memorable speech or presentation.
