How To Beat Performance Anxiety and Perform Confidently
Stage fright is something that all performers become victims of at some point during their lives, whether magicians, comedians, singers or actors.
It can damage performances and has been known to even end careers if the artist does not learn to deal with and manage the condition well enough.
Magicians find it difficult to perform magic tricks, singers cannot sing etc. Even big name celebrities have reported suffering from the condition at some point.
Remedies to the condition have included hypnotism and behavioural therapy but if you can’t afford those, do not fear. There are cheaper cures.
Scientists who have looked into performance anxiety have identified several elements that can cause the condition.
#1. The thoughts of viewers are considered very important.
This can be countered by convincing yourself that their judgements are inconsequencial.
#2. The imagination of failure
To counter this, focus on success.
#3. The stakes are high and the performer feels the need to avoid failure at all costs.
The counteraction to this one is to see the results of the task as a part of the big picture.
4. The performing artist feels uncomfortable because performing does not feel ordinary to them. In this event, the antidote is simply to go out and perform, feel the anxiety and do it anyway, until the anxiety dissipates.
#5. Some performers become very self conscious. One possible way to stop this is to concentrate on other people during the performance. Focus on process rather than product.
6. The performer doubts their abilities to complete the task to a satisfactory level. Sufficient rehearsals usually sort this out. Practise makes perfect and builds confidence.
To summarize, performance anxiety is [beatable]|[curable]. It can be conquered and does not have to rule your life. If you can identify which of the above elements is causing your problem, you now possess the know how to cure the condition.
Apply the methods, reclaim your performances and enjoy them!
Tags: performance anxiety, stage fright
