Stage Fright 2012

Imagine them all in their underwear?

OH GOSH NO!

The Truth About Stage Fright

• stage fright (noun): nervousness felt by a performer or speaker when appearing before an audience.

• Very common, especially in school and public speaking or performance.

• Usually becomes less prevalent in people who perform regularly – you get used to it.

What causes it?

• Thinking about the risk of failure while doing a presentation or performance.

• Thinking about your own appearance and behavior.

• Being nervous about the quality and the information of your presentation.

• Your personal need to do well/better than others, and panic if you feel you are failing.

Effects?• First, nervousness and reluctance to speak.• Next, quick heartbeat and breathing, shaking, dizziness.

• Advanced –‘Fight or Flight’ reflex, cold hands and feet, fuzzy sight, and finally, fainting from high BP.

The Solution?Take a few minutes to suggest something

yourselves…

Make a list of ways for overcoming stage fright!

The Solution

There are many ways to deal with stage fright:

• Think about what you are saying – be absorbed in your speech.

• Say something you believe in – facts and results.• Do not believe you will fail – expect success.• Remember, the audience wants you to speak.• Do not try to hurry – take your time.• Do not apologize – it’s unnecessary and won’t

help.

The Definition of Courage

“The presence of willpower and spirit to face and overcome fear, anxiety, uncertainty and pain.”

(Not unable to feel fear, but able to overcome it)

“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities ... because it is the quality that guarantees all others.” – Winston Churchill

Remember one thing:Presenting is like exercise – it

becomes easier and easier the more often and longer you do it.

Stage fright is usually not a problem anymore after the first few times you overcome it.

Other problemsA lack of courage isn’t always what causes stage

fright. Ways to give yourself stage fright are:

• Bad preparation and not enough practice.• Failing to sync with your audience.• Being tired or not eating before a presentation.• Thinking about your audience person-by-person,

instead of just one large body.• Panicking if you make a mistake, or if you think

your presentation isn’t going well.

How to avoid it?Quickly, in groups,

try to make as many tips as you can for avoiding

stage fright before you do

your presentation.

It’s a race!

Lack of Stage Fright 2012