The Models Direct Guide to Dealing with Pre-performance Nerves

Most of us have probably experienced a level of stage fright at some point in our lives, even if it’s just before a school production or university presentation. It can be a major problem if you have dreams of being on stage, but there are ways to help combat your pre-performance nerves. Models Direct offer their tips.

[UKPRwire, Tue Apr 20 2010] Most of us have probably experienced a level of stage fright at some point in our lives, even if it’s just before a school production or university presentation. It can be a major problem if you have dreams of being on stage, but there are ways to help combat your pre-performance nerves. Models Direct offer their tips.

What is stage fright?

Stage fright occurs when your body goes into ‘fight or flight’. A release of adrenaline prepares you to either defend yourself or make an escape. The cause of it can often relate to an individual’s past experience, for example, messing up lines in a school play. For some people this fear before going on stage can be overcome and for others it can’t. Even some professionals suffer badly from it. It is also similar to Glossophobia, the fear of speaking in public.

Symptoms

Symptoms of stage fright can include having a dry mouth, a tight throat, sweating, feeling cold, shaky hands, a racing heartbeat, feeling out of breath and a loss of concentration, all making you feel panicked and anxious.

Nerves often come from the fear that something will go wrong. Unfortunately there’s no way to guarantee that everything will go perfectly, but this can actually be one of the most exciting and entertaining things about performing. Models Direct advise that you take full advantage of rehearsals and practice time to repeatedly go over what you’ll have to do. This doesn’t just mean lines – practise your movements and working with any props to ensure your movements are fluid and natural.

Hints and tips

Right before you go on stage, in front of the camera or just to the front of the classroom take some deep breaths. One of the symptoms of stage fright or Glossophobia, as with other types of anxiety, is a racing heart. Taking a few deep breaths will let more oxygen into your bloodstream. This will calm you down, giving you more control over what you’re doing. If you’re in a play and know you’ve messed up your lines, rather than powering on with it and confusing yourself further, take a moment to take a deep breath and compose yourself.

It’s also common to get shaky or break out in a sweat when you’re nervous, but Models Direct remind you that you are a lot more aware of what your body’s doing than the audience. They might not even notice that you’re nervous! Obsessing over these things will only exacerbate the situation and lead to more stress.

Loads of people are superstitious and have lucky objects that they believe will bring them good fortune, whether it’s a footballer with a lucky pair of socks or a student taking a well-loved toy into an exam. These objects can offer reassurance for performers as well, but just consider how you’d feel if you couldn’t find your lucky trinket or complete your pre-performance ritual before you go on stage, it could just make you feel more worried.

It sounds clichéd, but the more time you spend performing the more confident and comfortable you get. It’s good to have a certain level of nerves before a show as it means your senses are heightened and you are more eager to do your best. The buzz you get before and afterwards is also part of the whole performing experience.



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