Nobody likes to be judged, but that's the world we live in where our every word and move is criticized. In regards to stage fright, judgement and anxiety can get serious. Plenty of scenarios come to mind where anxiety kicks in, such as

• Being the center of attention
• Being watched while performing a task. In the case of stage fright, presentations, talent shows, speeches, are all involved
• Talking to people of higher authority, ex. work, having to speak with those of greater seniority and power within the company. 
• In the classroom when called upon by the professor to answer a question in front of the class 

Symptoms of anxiety differ between emotional and physical. Below is a few symptoms of both physical and emotional symptoms followed by a few ways for someone to conquer their anxiety disorder

Physical:

• Red Face, Blushing
• Short of breath
• Nausea
• Shaking
• Heart is racing
• Sweating
• Dizzyness

Emotional

• Self Conscious 
• Lengthy worry before a social situation, such as presentations, speeches, or anything having to do with speaking in front of an audience
• Fear of being watched by others. Judgment also a cause 

Ways to deal with Anxiety

• Challenge all your negative thoughts
• Identify your thought and underline what the main issue is. Messing up? Being in front of everyone? 
• Controlling your breathing
• Face your problems

• Avoiding certain situations helps you at the current time, but later on when you need to go through the situation again, it becomes more of a challenge because you've been avoiding it for too long

Stage fright:Physical Preparation 101

Stage fright
Physical Preparation 101: Chewing Gum in School

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Chewing gum in school has some benefits. Children have a tricky time concentrating, but it is now proven that chewing gum actually helps them pay attention. Ironically, if students work on two things at once, they are better able to focus on the main task.

Positives of chewing gum:

• Increases heart rate since it is a physical activity
• Decreases students' bathroom breaks and hunger
• Causes students to remain quiet longer
• Lessen tooth decay
• Fresh breath
• Ability to focus at a better rate
• Helps concentration
• Easier to read and focus on presentations

Negatives of chewing gum:

• It can be distracting
• Children stick gum on chairs, desks, walks, etc.

Braving Stage Fright— Using the Right Brain to Combat Performance Anxiety

When we practice hour after hour, we enter a zone where musical concentration is paramount. Our self-awareness seems to disappear, and all our attention is focused on correct fingerings, note attacks, tone nuances, breathing, and so forth. As soon as an external factor comes into play, we suddenly move out of the zone and become much more aware of our bodies and the movements we are executing during practice. 

Numerous studies suggest that our brain functions on two different modes (Right—Intuitive, and Left—Analytical) and that one side (or hemisphere) is dominant in some people and equal in others. Left-brain people focus on logic, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained people focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity. I suggest that practicing with both brain hemispheres (as opposed to only the Left—Analytical) can simulate a live performance and drastically enhance the end result.

Concrete Solutions to Enhance Live Performance

One key difference between practicing alone and performing live is that practicing alone allows for “second chances” to repeat difficult passages whereas performing live only allows for one “shot”. Practicing with this in mind helps simulate live performing.

Projecting a sense of assertiveness and positive attitude and smiling while entering the stage inevitably makes the audience comfortable and naturally will enhance their overall response. Have you ever noticed how musicians with great bowing skills and stage presence often get thundering applause compared to the sheepish recitalist? Even though a musician can feel stressed or insecure, the motions of acting confident helps alleviate those feelings and if this is done repeatedly, the feeling of confidence will become a reality.

I find that talking to the audience during the performance (between pieces) not only helps to dissipate stress, it is always welcome by listeners. This transforms the event into a two-way experience rather than put all the burden onto the performer.

Naturally, there is the undeniable fact that the more we perform the more we can eventually turn a stressful situation into a simple day to day “this is my job” kind of affair.

Bring one or more trusted friends along in the green room and have them chat with you and evenlaugh. Or, on the other hand, if you are more comfortable alone, use the pre-concert time to meditateand tend to the necessary details preparation. Deep breathing is a sure way to help relax and oxygenate the blood generously.

Stage fright can also be an indicator that the performer cares about the musical result on a deep level, which is a positive thing.

Enjoy the moment and view performing as a way to share artistic ideas rather than being judged for them.

http://www.youtube.com/user/homeveda?v=JNI3je5t8qQ

Stage Fright, we all get it. Even the most open and talkative person has a tough time speaking in front of a large audience. Not everyone has the ability of an actor or an entertainer who's whole life has been in front of large crowds. Its all in the matter of practice.

In regards to stage fright, we all suffer from different causes and effects of stage fright, some more stranger than others. Next is a list of several causes of stage fright suffered by people, all of which we can counter.

• Unfamiliarity with the crowd. Being shy and not be able to open up to new people. 

• Fear of everybody focusing directly on you. Regardless of whether or not a person is familiar with the crowd, fear of error and shyness could over take a person. 

• Too much pressure to perform the task without creating error, leading to people's criticism.  

• Not enough practice. Practicing in front of family or even friends before hand could help ease the presentation later on.

Physical Preparation 101: Chewing GUM!?!

Stage fright
Physical Preparation 101: Chewing GUM!?!

Doing any kind of presentation can be stressful on the mind and body. One thing you can do is to try and keep yourself occupied while you’re presenting.  Well you might ask “how do I keep myself busy or occupied while doing a performance or presentation?” There’s a simple solution, you can chew gum while you’re performing or presenting. Chewing gum during any activity keeps your sub conscious mind active and busy and thus your mind won’t wander. So basically helps you stay focused during your performance or presentation and keeps your mind focused on the objective. Chewing gum will basically calm your nerves and if you suffer from dry mouth while speaking for long periods of time, this will be your helpful solution instead frequently reaching for your bottle of water. But remember, don’t be rude when chewing gum, don’t pop or crackle or blow bubbles when your chewing gum, your audience may find it rude. Try and be subtle when your chewing gum and make sure it’s not visible to the audience. So if you have problems presenting whether it be stress, nerves, dry mouth or just plain scared, try chewing some gum. But don’t take my word for it, some of the greatest performers’ chewed gum during pressure and nerve racking situations.

Be the bigger person!!!

Preparation, preparation, preparation—always with your audience in mind

 

1.      First, create an interesting presentation designed to give your audience what they want and need including things such as visuals and using software such as Prezi to enhance your presentation.

 

2.      Second, understand what your audience is seeing by recording yourself giving you the opportunity to see how you really look when your presenting giving you the opportunity to make changes.

 

 

3.      Third, get feedback from real people by giving the presentation to a few willing colleagues prior.

 

4.      Fourth, prepare for your specific audience by asking them questions before you start or create a handout to keep the audience involved.

 

5.      Fifth, prepare for your next presentation by asking your audience how you did so there is room for improvement for your next one.

 

5 ways to deal with anxiety/stage fright

·         Become a relation expert: we all think we know how to relax. But chilling in front of a TV or computer isn’t actually relaxing. What the body really needs is a relaxation technique — like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga — that has a physical effect on the mind.

·         Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise: Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life's ups and downs? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs — not too much or too little. Eat well: Choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy.

 

·         Connect with others: Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure

·         Connect with nature: Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded.

·         Think positive:  A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.

young kid with stage fright