President's Tip of the Week

Stage Fright & Tips on Dealing With It
(12/8/08)

Source: The Henderson Group

Here are the four "A"s of stage fright:

1. Anticipation: Imagining the disaster you'll be on stage.

2. Avoidance: Not going on stage and thus losing the chance to cope and grow an inner strength.

3. Anxiety: Those panicky physical symptoms which you're sure will cause you to pass out.

4. Appraisal: The "Whew! I did it!" conclusions after the performance or presentation.

Should you try to overcome your stage fright, here are some helpful hints:

1. Breathe from the diaphragm. Practice this type of breathing before going on stage.

2. No one can tell you're a wreck. It's just your inside self that's panicking.

3. Realize you will be anxious and use the shot of adrenaline which comes from our "fight or flight" response. Turn it into power. You never know; dealing with anxiety just might improve your presentation.

4. Focus. Know your lines or your material.