Top Ten Tips For Reducing Stage Fright

1. Learn to accept your fear and ride the wave when it arises rather than try to fight it or run from it. Your fear will pass more easily when you are not frightened by it.

2. Practice slow, deep breathing and releasing tension so you can feel more relaxed in your body. Also focus on thoughts and images that are calming and relaxing.

3. Try to stay connected to the present moment reality of what is going on around you by listening closely to others and paying attention to your surroundings.

4. Use positive, supportive, encouraging self-talk. Speak to yourself as you would to a beloved family member or friend when they are facing their most difficult moments.

5. Think about past successes and connect with all of your strengths and abilities that have allowed you to face other challenges. Draw upon that reservoir of strength within you.

6. Be a willing spirit and try not to resist or avoid speaking or performing challenges, as this tends to worsen the fear.

7. Prepare as best you can, visualize a positive experience, and then learn to surrender the need to control the outcome. Instead, learn to go with the flow and allow whatever happens to be okay, trusting that things will work out for you.

8. Create a self-assured, confident attitude and body posture even when you are not feeling this way. Act as if you were someone who was self-assured and confident with speaking or performing and model this person’s attitude and body language.

9. Focus on your true purpose for speaking or performing and let go of self-preoccupation about your worries and fears. Make a true, human connection with others in your audience and see people for who they really are, rather than as your judges or critics.

10. Take the focus off yourself and don’t make your presentation or performance a proving ground for yourself. Remember, it’s not about you!