Comments on: 5 tips for overcoming stage fright

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:57:27 +0000

Hi Larissa
First of all know that there are many people who feel like you do. It is nothing unusual. And good on you for deciding you need to get over this fear. That alone takes courage. There are more articles on overcoming fear on this website (look under Topics in the sidebar and click on Nervousness). And if you’re really determined contact me through my contact form and I will send you a draft of an ebook I am writing on overcoming the fear of public speaking.
Go well
Olivia

By: larissa

larissa — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:50:51 +0000

im afrid to go on stage in front of a really big crowed.and i need to get over my fear so how can i do that before i go to college next year.

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:52:14 +0000

Hi Nicky
I agree that you should do what you’re inspired to do. Writing a thesis can turn into a slog even when you’re excited by the subject, and if you’re not inspired by the subject it can become a huge burden.

Could you find a group of children to work with and coach them in giving a speech and measure the impact on their confidence – in public speaking and other areas of their lives. Then your thesis can be on an analysis of the results.
All the best with your study
Olivia

By: nicky browne

nicky browne — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:41:15 +0000

Hi Olivia,
As a mature student, I am sitting here in front of my computer and have been told that the best thesis/study to complete my diploma in Speech and Drama would be on William Wordsworth and the sonnet – I am so not inspired – I have really really tried to muster up some excitement and enthusiasm but it is not working – I think that he is a great guy and we are blessed to have his poetry but……..

… I am fascinated by the whole world of public speaking and the importance of every child having the ability to stand up and speak confidently, in public, before they leave school – I want to work with this idea and not William Wordsworth, but….. I can’t think of a way of making this work as a thesis/extended essay – have you, with your wonderful approach, any ideas for me? – it is a long shot but worth the ask!!
thanks Olivia, Nicky from Ireland

By: How Do you Get Rid of Stage Fright - Music Forums - The Online Music Community

How Do you Get Rid of Stage Fright - Music Forums - The Online Music Community — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:58:33 +0000

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By: Brian Clough

Brian Clough — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:45:01 +0000

Indeed we do Olivia.

As humans we also sometimes have the ability to become conscious of this labeling behaviour.

If we notice it’s not helping, we can change it.

I’m not saying it’s easy, or even instinctive to do so.

But neither is public speaking!

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:28:03 +0000

Hi Brian
I quite agree with you that the nervousness that we feel can also be interpreted as excitement, and that’s one strategy that we can use to help.

We make up stories and give labels to things, because that’s what humans do!

Olivia

By: Brian Clough

Brian Clough — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:34:03 +0000

Why do we insist on labeling the physical sensations we experience before a presentation, as ‘nervousness’ or ‘stage fright’ ?

In what way exactly does that help us?

How about simply observing the reality of what’s happening, instead of making up little stories? For example noticing the butterflies in the abdomen, the elevated heart rate, the sweaty feet as one great presenter used to experience … whatever.

Surely they’re just sensations? Mostly non-life-threatening.

Funny how many of them resemble a state we label ‘excitement.’

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:49:18 +0000

Hi Sea
Practice is definitely helpful – as Pam has confirmed. And here are two other points:

1. You’re likely to always have some nervousness when you present http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/nervousness/fear-of-public-speaking-better-speaker/
2. Look at what you are saying to yourself about how you have to perform when you’re speaking http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/nervousness/no-perfect-presentation/

There are lots of other posts on reducing nervousness on my website. You can check them out here:
http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/category/nervousness/
Olivia

By: Pam Heath

Pam Heath — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:45:21 +0000

Yes, sea, taking every opportunity to speak can really help. Certainly did for me–really grew my confidence and ability to handle whatever came up. I also know that I’m less nervous when I’ve prepped and rehearsed properly (which is really about respecting my audience).