OVERCOMING STAGE FRIGHT – Habeeb Akanji.

I remember the first time I was chosen to represent my level in a Debate Competition. It was the first opportunity I saw to develop my public speaking skills, so, I didn't want to mess it up. I had prepared hard, internalized, and already practised my gesticulation the night before. I had already envisioned myself giving a great presentation. On D-day, after I was told to start, just 30 seconds into my presentation, everything was ruined with sweaty palms and trembling hands. My dream has turned into a nightmare. It was quite obvious that the sweat in my body was waiting for me to mount the stage before it started seeping. For me, it was sweaty palms and trembling hands; for some, it might be a racing pulse; for you, it might be a dry mouth and a tight throat.

The good news is that "you are not alone." There are explanations and hypotheses on the causes of those symptoms of stage fright. Part of the explanation is that those symptoms are inborn. People who are born introverts tend to experience these symptoms more than those who are extroverted and level-headed. However, the explanation that seems to be the most acceptable cause of stage fright is the fear of being judged, which makes you worry about your performance instead of focusing on the importance of conveying a message to the audience. Those rolled eyes, bored sighs, or scrutinizing looks from the audience might not convey the feedback you expect; hence, stage fright kicks in.

In the subsequent paragraph of this piece, I will discuss five strategies and tips for conquering nervousness and delivering excellent speeches. Stage fright is the anxiety, fear, or phobia that reeks when you have to perform in front of an audience, whether actually or potentially. This fear is normal because most excellent public speakers, if not all, experience stage fright. And one thing that makes them stand out today is their ability to manage stage fright. To manage stage fright, do these things:

1.) Quit Negative Thoughts:

If there is one thing speakers who suffer from stage fright are guilty of, it is overthinking situations. This is the act of thinking about what might go wrong. Asking Questions like "Can I do it?" and "What if I forget what I want to say?" "Have I prepared enough?" Will prime the brain to lean towards the negative when searching for an answer. The default answer directly from our brain is "No!" You start to get nervous. You're panicky and starting to sweat. These questions are sabotage questions because they can only provide negative answers. Instead, ask a different question. The way you control the focus of the brain is by changing the internal questions that you ask. Ask a question with a presupposition. Questions like "What's great about this opportunity?" contain the presupposition that there is, in fact, something great about the opportunity that you haven't noticed yet. Why don't you replace "will I succeed?" with how will I succeed? Because asking the right questions before you go on is a very powerful way to manage your state, You are programming your brain purposefully so that it will come up with answers that pull you forward rather than hold you back.

2.) Shift Focus:

Instead of worrying about being judged, you should shift your focus to conveying an excellent performance or presentation. Free yourself from the stress of being judged because you can't stop your audience from judging you. Set a new goal in your mind. As you get ready for the anticipated moment. Seeing a different aim or target in your mind will help you stay on task and express yourself clearly and confidently. Remember, stage fright cannot be cured but it can be managed. 

3.) Prepare AND Practice: 

There is a popular quote: "If you fail to plan, you will plan to fail." This also applies to public speakers. You have to plan by preparing, because if you fail to plan as a public speaker, then you will fail. If practising is the muscle you must flex to tackle stage fright, preparation is the strategy. If you practice your next presentation well after preparation, chances are it will just flow effortlessly, which will help boost your confidence and leave you looking forward to your next presentation. Prepare your material in advance and read it aloud to hear your voice. Practice everything you intend to share on the day. Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! You won't regret not preparing.

4.) Visualize Yourself Delivering An Excellent Speech:

This is where the power of the mind comes in. Close your eyes and practice presenting your speech in your head. Visualize yourself carrying out every step flawlessly and receiving great feedback from an attentive audience. Be as specific as you can when thinking about the audience members' grins and the sounds of their applause. It might sound like a "vivid imagination" concept, but when properly utilized, this strategy will increase your confidence and help you overcome many of the fears you once had about speaking in front of an audience. It can sharpen your concentration and aid in the generation of fresh, creative ideas. It is a fantastic technique to lower your stress levels and maintain your motivation as you practice your speech.

5.) BREATHE:

The fear might still be there when the moment comes and you're prepared to take the stage, and that's okay. The only thing left to do is remember to breathe once you've worked to perfect your speech. Raising both arms aloft while taking deep, calm breaths is one way to do this. Your relaxation response is triggered by breathing, which tells your body that everything is fine and that you will be well as well. Take some extra time to breathe because stage anxiety intensifies just before a presentation. You will succeed! When the time arrives and you’re ready to step onto the stage, the fear might still be present—and that’s okay! You’ve practised and honed your speech, so the only thing to do now is remember to breathe. One way to do this is to raise both arms overhead and breathe slowly and deeply. Since stage fright is strongest right before a presentation, take the last minute to breathe and breathe some more. You’ll ace your presentation. Although it may be impossible to overcome stage fright altogether, with practice and the right frame of mind, it’s possible to set it aside and deliver a well-crafted and memorable speech or presentation.

By applying these tips, you are on the path to managing stage fright and also becoming an excellent speaker. In conclusion, it is important to note that not all speakers experience stage fright, and the tips for combating stage fright are not limited to those listed below. Have it in mind that those dry throats, trembling hands, and racing pulses can be controlled and effectively managed if you put in the effort to manage them. Hold on to Ethel Merman's words, "What’s there to worry about? I know my lines. Why should I be nervous on opening night? The people who paid for tickets for a new play—they’re the ones who should be nervous." Your audience wants to you win, so speak to win.