8 easy and effective ways to remove stage fright

Public speaking is said to be the biggest fear reported by many American adults, topping flying, financial ruin, sickness, and even death.

In one’s life there are many such occasions where one needs to host small/huge gatherings and speak in front of them. Stage fright or performance anxiety is the anxiety, fear, or persistent phobia which may be aroused in an individual when it is asked to do so. 

If you are a confident public speaker you can do well than others in your professional as well personal life. This is one of the features that can stand you different from others and also help you make more friends. 

Let’s see how can you overcome your stage fright 

1. Choose your language 

• If you have a choice to pick a language, pick either your mother tongue/ native language. 
• If your audience can understand your native language and you are also comfortable with your native language, then there’s no need to choose English for speaking. Go with what you are comfortable with, that can help you convert your thoughts into words easily.

2. Listen to your favorite speakers 

• Listen to your favorite podcasters or YouTubers or public speakers, You can also watch your favorite shows and take inspiration from their character’s speech and body language 
• The more you listen to them, the more likely you will pick up their tone and body language (so make sure you choose the right person for the inspiration) 
• Also, It is not necessary that from the beginning you start picking their body languages. Start peaking up their language first, then try speaking in their tone, and then you can start looking for body language 
  

3. Prepare your Speech / key points

• Outline and prepare your speech/notes/ key points
• For beginners, you can prepare and write down your speech and practice as much as you can. There’s nothing wrong with writing down and preparing your speech. 
• After you get comfortable with it, you can just write down key points/notes for the speech and prepare it in your mind. 
• If you are going to quote someone/ some facts, make sure to double-check them, that will help you be more comfortable with what you are presenting

4. Practice your speech

• Practice your speech in front of a mirror or in front of a family or friends, that will help you build self-confidence. 
• You can initially start speaking with keeping speech in your hand, and after you are comfortable just keep key-points or notes in your hand and try speaking yourself 
• Speaking in front of closed ones will remove your fears and make you more comfortable and will eventually build your confidence

5. Be relax before going up stage

• Make yourself relax before going upstage. 
• Avoid all distractions on a day of the speech. 
• Take proper sleep and avoid using gadgets before going upstage 
• If needed, switch off your mobile phone and spend some alone time before a presentation
  

6. Wear suitable clothes

• Standing up and presenting before the audience is not easy, people will notice your clothes, your way of presenting, and your speech. 
• If you are not comfortable with what you are wearing, it will distract you and you will end up losing your confidence 
• So make sure to prepare your clothes in advance. 
• Choose clothes that you are most comfortable with, If there’s a particular occasion and you are not comfortable with what you have to wear, wear those clothes before the day of the presentation, stand up in front of the mirror, and practice your speech. That way you will get comfortable with your outfit 

7. Stay Positive

• Don’t let nervous thoughts get to you. 
• Listen to calm music, read your favorite books, meditate before going upstage. It will help you make your mind calm and stay focused 

8. Interact with your audience

• It is not necessary to just go on stage and start speaking on your topic. 
• Take 2-3 minutes. Introduce yourself, interact with your audience, and then start with your topic
• Make eye contact with familiar persons or a person who is most interested in your talk. It will help you build confidence 

Try this yourself and let us know your thoughts in the comment section below

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Thank you

Drafted On,
26^th  December 2020
Ishita Shah: I’m a DevOps Enthusiast and Professional having hobbies of reading books, traveling, exploring, and creating creative and useful content
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References:
[1] : https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/treatment/conquering-stage-fright