Chapter 6 – Building Confidence

 

Stage Fright – The nervousness felt when appearing as a speaker or performer before an audience.

 

Understanding Stage Fright

Most people experience stage fright.

 

Why stage fright occurs

 

Physical effects of stage fright – sweaty palms, queasy stomach, dry mouth, excessive perspiration, increased heart rate, shortness of breath.

 

Stage fright begins as psychological tension

            Tension – mental or nervous strain; apprehension

                        Tension comes from two conflicting realizations

1 – I desperately want to perform well and make a good impression.

2 – I may not be very successful.

 

Controlled stage fright is helpful.

            Your body prepares for the situation.

            Stage fright is natural.

Controlled stage fright – The realization that a feeling of tension is natural and can actually sharpen thinking, so that nervousness can be regulated.

 

Uncontrolled stage fright can be harmful.

Runaway stage fright – Feelings of anxiety that are so intense that one loses control of the feelings of anxiety experienced before or during a speech or performance.

 

Runaway stage fright takes one of two forms.

            1 – Lack of confidence – Before speech begins.

2 – Overconfidence – Usually unprepared and occurs after the speech begins.

 

Stage fright feels worse than it looks

The listeners are often unaware that the speaker is suffering from stage fright.

 

Don’t draw attention to stage fright.

 

Controlling your nervousness

 

            Prepare Thoroughly

                        1 – Study your topic

                        2 – Analyze your audience

                        3 – Research and outline the main points of your speech

                        4 – Rehearse your presentation sufficiently

 

One of the biggest fears is forgetting part of the speech – thorough preparation should alleviate this fear.

1 – Don’t draw attention to something you have forgotten, the audience is probably unaware

2  –  Prepare notes to help you remember

3  -  You don’t have to memorize your speech word for word

 

Relax before you speak

            Use relaxation techniques.

 

Audiences tend to be sympathetic

 

Develop the right attitude – Look at your stage fright as a positive element to your speech.

 

Concentrate on your topic

            Don’t think too much about yourself

            Choose your topic carefully

            Be interested in your topic

 

Concentrate on your audience.

            Look for feedback

            Feed off of positive feedback

 

Use humor – It can relax you as well as your audience

            1 – Make sure that your humor is appropriate

            2 – Do not overuse humor

 

Move around, use gestures, and make eye contact

            Moving can reduce tension

            Make sure your movement is suited for the speech and your audience

            Avoid movement which distracts the audience

                        1 – Ping Pong effect

                        2 – Grabbing the podium

                        3 – Hair tosses or flips

                        4 – Object twirling

Platform movement – the movement of the entire body while speaking.  Good for major transitions.

Gestures – should look natural

Eye Contact – Try to look directly into the eyes of your listeners.  Look to all parts of the audience.

 

 

Speak as often as you can!