Can you believe it’s already spooky season?! Yes, October is here, which means it’s time for everything scary- ghosts and goblins, haunted houses, horror movies, and.. singing in front of people!? Ahhh! If that idea fills you with terror, we have some excellent tips for how to make sharing your voice with others a MUCH less scary experience!
Prepare Thoroughly
Nothing combats stage fright better than preparation. Regular vocal lessons are also part of being well prepared! You will feel like you have the tools in your tool belt to navigate a song and have one less worry when it comes time to perform in front of others. Knowing your material inside and out through frequent rehersal will also allow you to focus on delivering the performance rather than worrying about making mistakes. Try practicing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or performing for a small group of friends before hitting the stage.
Develop a Pre-Performance Routine
Establishing a calming pre-performance routine can help ease your nerves. This routine could include a series of deep-breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, light stretching, or even listening to calming music. Creating a ritual that you can rely on before each performance helps set the tone and mentally prepare you. It acts as a psychological cue that tells your body it’s time to focus and perform. Your teacher can help you create a routine that will set you up for success!
Shift the Focus Away from Yourself
Stage fright often stems from the fear of being judged. Instead of focusing on how you’re being perceived, shift your attention to the message or emotions behind your song. When you focus on the story you're telling or the experience you're sharing with your audience, it becomes less about you and more about the performance. At times, I have often even visualized my own teacher being in the audience- this not only makes me feel more at ease, but forces me to remember all of the technique he has taught me and the preparation we have put into the song.
Embrace the Adrenaline
Believe it or not, a little bit of adrenaline can actually enhance your performance! Adrenaline can sharpen your focus and give you the extra energy you need to deliver a strong performance. Instead of fearing the butterflies in your stomach, embrace them as part of the experience. Acknowledge your nerves and use them. You can even say to yourself "I'm excited" instead of "I'm nervous" to trick your brain into seeing the adrenaline as a positive boost.
Accept Imperfection
No performance is ever perfect, and that’s okay! Trying to achieve perfection can often increase anxiety and lead to stage fright. Accept that small mistakes might happen, and that's part of the beauty of live performance. What truly matters is how you recover and continue. Your audience is more likely to remember your emotional connection and energy than a minor mistake. (Plus most of the time, the audience won’t even notice a mistake!)
Phew! Feeling less terrified yet? We know you'll feel a sense of relief if you give these tips a try before your next performance! Remember, like anything else, stage fright becomes less of an issue the more you perform. The first step is just getting out there and trying it. So take a deep breath, and face your fears!
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