Stage fright? Here's how performers turn nerves into power
Increased heart rate, dry mouth, butterflies in the stomach, and a fear of failure or embarrassment…stage fright is the stuff of nightmares and for many performers, an unshakeable enemy that is hell bent on ruining everything.
I recently had a chance to take part in the Global Encounters Arts and Sports Festival in Dubai, representing Bangladesh in the Vocals category. For someone who enjoys singing, I am painfully nervous. Therefore, once I push myself to sign up for public performances, the days leading up to the actual act are pure torture.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Most performers understand the world to be a fairly judgemental place. We are perhaps more scared of embarrassing ourselves than others who work outside of the limelight. Stage fright is just that, the fear of slipping up and embarrassing ourselves in front of an audience.
It catapults the body into the fight or flight mode and while absolutely normal, the consequent physiological reactions can hamper performance. This is exactly why a perfectly well-rehearsed song can sound off tune during the main performance or why a common word will make one stutter through an entire presentation.
The good news, I have learned, is that with enough practice and preparation, this anxiety can quickly be managed, and even turned into excitement.
Practice
If there is one sure-shot way of acing a public appearance, it is practice. Knowing your material inside out can build confidence and reduce uncertainty. I spoke to some friends in Dubai and most, like me, had simple ways to counter their anxiety.
"I practice in front of a mirror," shared Sajina Manjee, a vocalist from Dubai. "This way I can see my actions and expressions, and know which ones to keep and which to eliminate."
The young performer maintains that it reduces awkwardness and streamlines her performance to whatever is really working for her."
You can also record yourself or perform in front of friends and family. The better you know your content, the less chance you have of making mistakes on the big day.
Relaxation methods
A body in fight or flight mode will sweat more, tremble more and result in a sandy mouth. Practising deep breathing helps detangle those nerves, and mindfulness meditation can also help in reducing physical tension and promoting mental clarity.
Farhad Shami, a 17-year-old hip hop dancer from Malaysia, warned, however, that while these techniques can help with stage fright, they must be practised ahead of time. "It isn't something you hurriedly do, an hour before you go on stage."
Mental Preparation
For someone with acute anxiety, having to perform before an audience of twenty thousand may seem like an insurmountable challenge. People have managed to do this, however, with gradual exposure.
A dancer from Lisbon, Nurina Pirani says she volunteered to perform in front of smaller, less intimidating audiences, even if it gave her jitters. "Temporary discomfort can quickly turn into positive adrenaline, and it helps you ride out those few, crucial minutes of performance time."
Once you are used to seeing a sea of expectant faces in front of you, and hearing the applause, of course, the next step is to hold on to that warm feeling of euphoria. Visualise the encores before you go on stage and remind yourself that you are in that space because someone thought you were capable enough to be there.
Pep Talks
It is important to reframe negative thoughts. I have done this myself, and I can vouch for it. Each time I caught myself thinking anxious thoughts like, "I will mess up and embarrass myself", I quickly reminded myself of my hours of relentless practice and how well I knew my stuff.
Focus on positive affirmations such as "I am prepared" and "I am capable."
Remember that no one in the audience knows your performance, so mistakes are bound to go largely unnoticed. Be your own coach and tell yourself that you are in the best position to excel, at the peak of your practice and that it is only a few minutes to get through before that overwhelming, earth-shattering applause is yours.
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