Ten Ways To Overcome Stage Fear
A lot of us have experienced fear before an important event whether it is regarding our appearance, our speech, how we would be interpreted or simply if we are making sense or not. In this process, we often step back and either don't pursue something completely or end up in a mess. But the human mind can do wonders if we learn how to control it & use it to our benefit. If only we could subdue feelings of anxiety, stress, fear and the likes, we would have a better chance at everything life has to offer. While there are many ways to do so, here are ten ways to overcome stage fear:
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1. Practice: When you fear poor performance the best way is to practice more. Give some time for your skill development and then try to participate rather than rushing it. This is a phase where you put in the work yourself. Great American Pianist Vladimir Horowitz said, "The difference between ordinary & extraordinary is practice."
2. Participate at smaller levels: Before taking on the bigger challenges, you could participate at smaller levels. This could go a long way in overcoming your fears. It involves lesser risk and at the same time allows exposure. It is a key step in helping you decide how to take the leap.
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3. Ask for advice: Do not shy away from asking for help. It can assist in identifying key areas where there is room for improvement. Alternately, you may discover your strengths too.
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4. Brush up your skills: Other than practising by yourself, you could opt for professional help to brush up your skills. Certification courses could be a good way to do so. Get yourself enrolled in training programs. Another great way to learn nowadays is the internet. Many sites like YouTube, wikiHow, Quora can help you understand stuff better and the best part is they are free!
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5. Let your friends be the first audience: This allows you to be comfortable in your own skin and helps you perform better. Moreover, friends can be great critics at times, they tell you for who you are. It can help you rehearse your act before you finally go on stage.
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6. Note down your mistakes: We all make mistakes. Those who correct them go places. Carefully note down where you could go wrong. Analyse them and find ways to improve.
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7. Have a learners attitude: You never know who can help you along the way. Now if you have watched the movie Ratatouille you know what I'm talking about. Be open to learning. This is a very important life skill and can unravel wonderful opportunities for you along the way.
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8. Be open to change/criticism: Allow constructive criticism to flow in and use it for your development. Be flexible & make the necessary changes recommended to you.
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9. Take a second chance: If you fail once, try again. There are numerous examples of successful people who could not do it in the first shot. Trying a second time helps you as your mind is prepared mostly for what lies ahead.
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10. Don't quit: If you are tired of trying everything written above, I've got one thing for you. Don't quit. Because quitting never made anything easy. You could alternatively take a break from things. Relax & bounce back when you're ready. All I'm trying to say is, hang in there buddy!
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Hope this helped. Don't forget to share this post. If you've got more tips to overcome stage fear do let us know in the comments. Come back for more!