Stage Fright

Building confidence andconfronting your greatest fear

The Reality• In many polls, public speaking is the

#1 fear. Death is #2.

DEFINITION• Stage fright is a nervousness

associated with speakingor performing before an audience.

Biology of Stage Fright

• Psychological fight or flight response• Breathing rate increases• Heart rate increases• Temperature rises• Adrenaline increases

Why Stage Fright Occurs

• A result of psychological tension – mental strain

• This tension comes from:– wanting to perform well and make a

good impression.– worry about failure.– a lack of preparation.

Understanding Stage Fright

• Most (if not all) people experience stage fright.

• Even experienced speakers deal with this.

• This fact can be comforting.

Controlled Stage Fright

• Controlled stage fright can be helpful.

• It heightens adrenaline and oxygen in your body making you more alertand your speech more passionate.

Uncontrolled Stage Fright

• Uncontrolled stage fright can be harmful.

• This results from either a lack of confidence (because of preparation) or overconfidence because of a disproportionate belief in your own ability to talk.

Controlling Your Nerves

• Prepare thoroughly.– Know what you are going to say.– Know how you are going to say it.**This is the #1 factor in determining the

success of a speech

• Practice your speech.– Helps with time management.

Controlling Your Nerves• Relax before you speak.

– Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.– Progressive relaxation– Positive mental attitude– Exaggerated yawn

Controlling Your Nerves

• Audiences tend to be sympathetic– Most audiences do not want to see you

fail.– Most audiences will empathize with you.– Your peers / classmates will have to do

the same thing.

Controlling Your Nerves

• Stage fright usually feels worse than it looks.– Shaking or sweaty hands– Increased heart rate– Even stumbling over words

• You might notice every little mistake. The audience will not.

Controlling Your Nerves

• Concentrate on your topic.– Choose something important to you and

your audience.

• Concentrate on your audience.– You know them well.

• Do not concentrateon yourself.

Handling Stage Fright

AVOID• Fidgeting• Jingling keys• Pacing• Nervous giggles• Not making eye contact• Reading• Holding up your notes

Handling Stage Fright

Strategies:• Appropriate humor• Be willing to laugh at yourself.• Move around a little.• Use gestures.• Slow down.• Take a breath.• Hold the podium.• Make eye contact. (required)

Picture Citations• http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/HEALTH/070912/

Vlrg_StageFright.widec.jpg• http://www.toastmasters.org/OtherImages/FearFactor.aspx• http://www.bhes.ccs.k12.nc.us/images,%20club%20page/speech.gif• http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/12.08.04/caesar-0450.html