By Shambhavi
Discover effective strategies to conquer stage fright with these expert tips
I started learning to sing when I was about four or five, taught by some exceptional teachers and mentors. My first real performance, however, wasn’t until I was nine or ten. It was for an Independence Day celebration at school, and naturally, I was a bundle of nerves. But given my deep affinity to music, I had to figure out how to manage my stage fright. My school music teacher, prepping me for my big day, saw right through my jitters. He’d been teaching for a long time and knew exactly what I was going through. He gave me a simple yet profound trick: fixate on the wall clock at the back of the auditorium.
At first, I didn’t really understand the purpose, but I trusted him and did it. And you know what? This simple hack turned out to be a game-changer. Every time I got on stage, I’d stare at that clock, and slowly, the stage became less intimidating. Eventually, that anxious feeling transformed into a sense of liberation.
The room was large enough so my staring at the clock didn’t seem out of place. This trick worked like magic until I no longer needed it. The key takeaway here? Find something to anchor your focus.
If a clock doesn’t work, maybe a friend, a face in the crowd that won’t distract you, an object in front of you, or the classic old wall clock if there is one!
Maintaining Focus Under Pressure
However, dealing with performance anxiety was not the end! There were more surprises in store for me and I was going to find them out soon enough. The new challenge was distraction. If something unexpected happened in front of me while performing, I’d lose focus and forget the lyrics. This hit me hard during a competition. Since it was a competition, the audience was seated and one of the judges (for some reason) brought their kids with them. These kids were playing right in front of the stage…where I was performing, and it completely threw me off. I forgot my lines, had to pause, and no surprises here, didn’t make it to the finals.
It was a harsh lesson in the importance of maintaining focus, no matter the distractions. From this experience, I realized the need to develop certain techniques to stay centered.
Having said this, I want to make you aware that it’s crucial to remember that having a few last-minute tricks up your sleeve can save your performance and boost your confidence!
Here are some tips and tricks that have helped me, along with advice from famous musicians, to help you stay calm and confident on stage:
Find a Focal Point
Like my trick with the clock, find something in the room to focus on. It could be a friend, a clock, or any object that grounds you.
Deep Breaths
Before going on stage, take a few deep breaths. It helps calm your nerves and gets you centered. The science behind it is solid – deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress.
Visualization is Key
Picture yourself nailing the performance. Imagine the audience loving it. This can boost your confidence. Oprah Winfrey visualizes her success before stepping on stage, and athletes like Michael Phelps use visualization to prepare for their events. It’s all about creating a mental image of success, which can positively impact your performance.
This is due to the Law of Attraction. Oprah often references the law of attraction, which posits that focusing on positive thoughts and desires can attract similar positive experiences. Visualization aligns with this belief, as it involves forming a clear mental image of a desired outcome.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The more prepared you are, the less you’ll have to worry about messing up. Practice until you can do it in your sleep. Ed Sheeran mentions that relentless practice was key to his success. Muscle memory becomes your friend, allowing you to perform almost automatically even under pressure.
Stay in the Moment
If you get distracted, gently bring your focus back to your performance. Don’t let a small mistake ruin the whole show. Staying present mentally makes your performances authentic and connected. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help improve this skill over time.
Positive Affirmations
Tell yourself you’ve got this (you do!). A little self-encouragement goes a long way. Lady Gaga talks about how believing in yourself and your hard work can build a positive mindset that supports your performance and at large, your career.
Connect with the Audience
Remember, the audience wants you to do well. Try to connect with them instead of seeing them as a source of pressure. Making eye contact with friendly faces in the audience can prove to calm your nerves. Engaging with your audience creates a sense of shared experience, reducing the feeling of isolation on stage.
Learn from Others
Many famous musicians have battled stage fright. Adele, for example, has spoken about her anxiety.
Knowing you’re not alone can be comforting. Watch interviews, read biographies, and learn how others have managed their performance anxiety. It can provide new strategies and reassure you that even the best performers face similar challenges.
To Sum Up
Performance anxiety is a common hurdle for many musicians, but with the right strategies, it can be managed. By incorporating these techniques, you can gradually transform that fear into a source of energy and excitement.
Remember, every musician’s journey is unique, and finding what works best for you is key. Keep experimenting, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the process of sharing your music with the world. Ultimately, overcoming performance anxiety is about preparation and the right mindset.
Equip yourself with these tools, trust in your abilities, and step onto that stage with confidence. Your love for music brought you here, and it will carry you through. Embrace the nerves, transform them into your performance fuel, and give your audience an unforgettable experience!