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Essentials in
Performance Skills
Harmony How-to: Deal with performance butterflies
Don't let the willies get in the way of a great performance.
Updated: 5/28/2002 3:38:00 PM
Deal with performance butterflies
By Gary Plaag, Presentation judge and professional speaking/performance coach
Performing in front of others, whether singing or speaking, is often cited as the greatest fear of human beings, next to death (and possibly tied with root canals). It’s also very common among Barbershoppers. Many who experience this anxiety (or stage fright), are too frightened to acknowledge it. Still others choose artificial "cures" to deal with the anxiety, including alcohol, drugs and a very dangerous tool, beta-blockers. All of these anxiety sufferers are yearning, deep down inside, for a way to effectively deal with the often-crippling anxiety.
We hear "that little voice in our heads" that tells us we are not prepared, that others will laugh at us, that we’re going to be nervous, and a host of other "self-speak" confidence shakers—and we fear that voice is right. This triggers self-doubt, which could lead to dry mouth, loss of breath, increased heartbeat, muscle spasms, nausea, temporary amnesia, and many other symptoms.
"If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right." So, how do we minimize these fears? Here are some tips. Not every idea will work for everyone, but something is bound to help nearly everyone.
Step 1: Accept your nerves and let them work for you.
Everyone has butterflies before a public appearance—get them to fly in formation. Instead of being anxious, why not be "eager" to share your gifts with the audience? Use the adrenaline to propel you to greatness.
There are number of stress reduction techniques. For example, try to relax every muscle in a controlled and focused manner. Away from the crowd, sit in a chair, feet on the floor, arms hanging to your sides. Close your eyes, breathing in a relaxed manner. Focus your attention on your toes and feet. Move your focus to your ankles, then to your shins, knees, thighs, hips, abdomen, etc. Move through your fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck and finally to your mouth, ears, eyes, nose, etc. Allow your mind to move to each of those areas and spend a few seconds at each place. This will help you to focus on achieving your potential and minimizing the interference.
Or, slowly inhale through your nose and focus on the air as you do. Hold the air for 3-5 seconds. As you exhale, feel the air as it changes direction. Repeat this exercise. Be careful not to hyperventilate.
Step 2: Picture yourself being successful.
So often, we picture the worst scenario we can imagine. Why not picture the best possible scenario and strive to achieve that? What would great success look like? A top-five finish? A standing ovation? A warm "thank you" from an audience member after the performance? A personal sense of satisfaction and joy?
Often, by revisiting one of our most positive performance experiences, we can plant that image of success in our minds and emotions. Remember, the audience wants you to do well and is eager to experience your performance.
It’s easy to wonder what you’ll feel like if you don’t perform as well as hoped. I always tell myself that regardless of the outcome, the sun will shine tomorrow and five billion people in the world don’t care how I did. In most cases, we are invited to perform because someone feels that we have something of value to offer. Believe in yourself and you will deliver.
Step 3: Plan to make at least three mistakes.
If you’re afraid of making a mistake, why not plan to make at least three? Don’t plan mistakes, but don’t be surprised when mistakes occur—they’re a natural part of our learning process. Chances are, the audience missed the mistake, and those who caught it are watching to see how you handle it. Obsessing over it won’t fix it for this performance. That’s what rehearsals are for.
Step 4: Be prepared.
When you know your material and are confident that you have spent the necessary time preparing, it should be very easy to convince yourself that you will be successful. Practice how you will enter the stage, accept applause, engage the audience, and deal with any unscheduled surprises that may arise. It’s a rare event, indeed, when everything goes according to plan. As most performers know, expect anything and everything.
Step 5: Be aware of what you eat and drink prior to the performance.
Drink a lot of water all the time, especially immediately before, during and after the performance. Sugar-filled drinks and food will certainly create an energy rush, but that can contribute to the nerves that you will naturally feel. Some performers believe that fasting before a performance is the answer, but a totally empty stomach can result in light-headedness and nausea. Listen to your body. It will tell you what it wants and needs for you to be successful.
Step 6: Experience as many performance opportunities as possible.
The best way to cure yourself of performance anxiety is to put yourself in that situation as much as possible and practice coping with it. Eventually, it will become second nature to be the center of attention and the anxiety will turn to eagerness. Remember how frightening that first bike ride on a two-wheeler was? What about baby-sitting for your first time, or interviewing for a new job? Each of these became much easier with each subsequent opportunity to experience and learn how to handle them.
Finally, consider how lucky you are to have the opportunity to be in front of so many people--the opportunity to share your message with them, to entertain them and to have them listen to you and let you know how much they appreciate your gifts and talents. Remember how few people ever have the opportunity to touch so many people at one time. You are fortunate to have that opportunity. Why waste it on being nervous and afraid?
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