Top 3 Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

Everyone's been there--the uncomfortable position of standing in front of a large group of people and being forced to talk to them about a subject.  The topic once known intimately, seems to slip sleezily from the brain and the speaker is left stammering and looking quite like a deer in the headlights.  "I am NEVER DOING THAT AGAIN!" I've heard time and time again...and three weeks later, the person's back in that same, vulnerable position.


In today's job market, public speaking and presentation skills are highly desirable.  Stage fright is as common as breathing and, though paralyzing as it is, there are ways to "get over it."  Here are my Top Three:

1. Practice!  Practice!  Practice!  You may not like it, but getting up in front of people, repeatedly, is the best way to overcome stage fright.  The more you do it, the less intimidating it is.  There are many organizations out there that are inviting and welcoming to the beginning speaker.  Or, you could take a course at a local community college or adult school.  Simply practicing to yourself in a mirror or to your pets will not help you.  Practicing with your friends can be equally bad as your friends may think themselves funny and try to heckle you.
2. Center and focus.  Whether you believe in "spiritualism" or not, it believes in you.  The universe is not simply a static entity that does not function or interact with each of us.  It is a living, breathing thing.  So is the energy within your own body.  We refer to how much energy we have--and are constantly seeking ways to boost it!  When you're preparing to speak, your energy needs to be focused and centered--that is when you are most at peace.  Simple meditation five minutes before you begin will help to achieve this state--take more time, if you need.  Close your eyes, shut out the world, take a few deep breaths and envision yourself having fun.
3. Cast Ridikkulus!  In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban, Harry's new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher instructs the students to think of the thing that is their greatest fear, then, staring that fear in the face, cast the spell Ridikkulus! which would turn their fear into something funny.  Without running onto the stage in your wizard's hat and robe, do the same thing to your audience.  Don't see them as judgmental harbingers of death--see them as invisible bicycle riders or maybe even piratical ninjas!  Whatever will make you more at ease.

There are other great ways of deferring your fright to "fight" while on stage.  A small amount of nervousness is good--not only does it mean you're human, but it means you're alive.  You need to transfer that nervous energy into your speech--but that's another topic for another time!  In the meantime, check out some of these titles from Amazon.com: Search Amazon.com for overcoming stage fright