Stage Fright

Objectives Students are expected to employ critical-thinking and interpersonal skills independently and in teams to solve problems. Students will use appropriate techniques to manage communication apprehension, build self-confidence and gain command of the information. So what will we be doing? By yourself and with your groups you will be identifying your personal reaction to “Stage Fright”. We will also brainstorm ideas of how to overcome these fears as well as learning ways that professional actors, speakers and business men and women overcome their performance anxiety.

Definitions Fear is a biological process that allows humans to secure the necessary energy to take action. Phobia is a persistent and irrational fear. Mental – of or pertaining to the mind Behavioral is the manner of behaving or acting Psychological – pertaining to the mind or mental phenomena

Performance Anxiety / Stage Fright The term “stage fright” refers to the fear or nervousness a person feels about approaching the stage to perform; even though they are doing what they love! Fear i.e. Anxiety is a Natural part of performance! What kind of fears can you think of about public speaking? Boring the audience to sleep Burping uncontrollably Teeth chattering People laughing at them Tripping on the way up to the stage Others?

Discussion In your groups discuss how you feel when you have to get in front of a group to present. What are your symptoms? What do you do to overcome your symptoms? Be prepared to share 3 – 4 “symptoms” Use the scratch paper in the middle of the table to write your list down. Each and every one of your “fears” can be put into one of three categories.

3 Types of Responses Mental Behavioral Physiological Mental – of or pertaining to the mind Behavioral is the manner or behaving or acting Psychological – pertaining to the mind or mental phenomena

Behavioral

A particular feature of anxiety or fear is that it “feeds off itself” and becomes stronger, even thought the threat hasn’t changed.

Individual Activity Identify the stage fright responses that affect you before a performance. Identify the stage fright responses that affect you during a performance. Are there any symptoms not listed? Use the packet “Understanding My Stage Fright” and check off the responses you have before and during public speaking. If some of your symptoms are not on the list, add them in where it says other. Now odd numbers talk to odd numbers and even numbers talk to even number people and share your responses.

Symptoms of Stage Fright Headache Upset stomach Dry or wet mouth Redness to face and/or neck Cold hands/feet Urge to use the restroom Wobbly legs Hot face Sweaty palms Squeaky voice Dizziness Rapid heart rate up to 2 times the normal rate Shortness of breath Negative thoughts Thoughts of failure Distraction / loss of concentration Memory blanks Feeling of panic Clenching fists Acting in a panicky way Coughing or clearing throat Did you write down any of these symptoms?

FACT: Before any performance your body will almost always produce Adrenalin!!!

Physical Aspects Adrenaline is a natural chemical that increases the energy needed to meet a challenge. Stimulates circulation and relaxes muscles Gives extra alertness and energy Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that turns sugar into energy Extra insulin is produced when experiencing fear or anxiety.

Discussion The natural way that your body prepares you for a challenging event includes many of the same symptoms of fear. Discuss this with the person sitting to your left. Identify some “fun or exciting” times when you have had the same feelings as stage fright.

So lets explore how stage fright or anxiety impacts the body. http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-science-of-stage-fright-and-how-to-overcome-it-mikael-cho

Positives ….. Makes your reflexes sharper Heightens your level of awareness Gives you extra energy Adds a sparkle to your eye Adds color to your cheeks Become more conscious of your posture and breathing You look healthier and more physically attractive

Discussion Is it possible to use stage fright to your advantage? Why or Why not? How? Be prepared to share 1 discussion item. Turn to the person on your left and discuss. Be prepared to share one discussion item.

Sometimes we can combat specific symptoms Sometimes we can combat specific symptoms. The following slides tell you how to overcome specific symptoms.

Symptom: Tense Feeling Cause: Large muscle groups contract. Solution: Stretch, go for a walk before the speech, swing your arms, light exercise, press your fingertips together.

Symptom: Cold Hands & Feet Cause: Blood vessels to the extremities contract. Solution: Rub hands together, hand warmer, press fingertips together.

Symptom: Sweaty Palms Cause: Increased blood pressure. Solution: Hand Sanitizer or lotion.

Symptom: Passing Out Cause: Hyperventilation (Rapid breathing) Solution: Take control of your breathing and deliberately slow it down, splash water on your face.

Symptom: Nausea Cause: Digestive system shuts down. Solution: Eat right before a speech. No greasy/heavy foods or milk. Eat light: salad, fruit, water, etc.

Symptom: Dry Mouth Cause: Digestive system shuts down. Solution: Drink water, suck on a hard candy, or chew gum. REMEMBER: Remove candy/gum before speaking!!!

Symptom: Difficulty Seeing Close Up Cause: Pupils dilate Solution: Write speaking notes big, practice, use a visual aide.

4 Ways to Overcome Stage Fright Know your audience Do they understand? Can they hear? Did they comprehend your main point? Know your purpose Know yourself Are you prepared? Do you have notecards? Is this a topic you like or dislike? Be prepared PRACTICE!

Understanding Your Stage Fright Using the last page in your packet, Write a paragraph describing each of the following: Stage Fright – What is it? Why do we have it? My Stage Fright – What symptoms do I have? How often am I affected? Controlling My Stage Fright – What do I already do to control my fear? What did I learn about today that I would like to try to control my fear? What did I learn about today that there is no way it will help me?

Quiz ??? 1. What one thing do more people fear than any other? a. Fear of death b. Fear of speaking in public c. Fear of snakes d. Fear of heights 2. What is one reason people fear speaking in public? a. They think they will bore the audience. b. They think people will laugh at them. c. They worry about tripping on the way up to the stage. d. All of the above are fears of speaking in public. 3. Which of the following is a not a recommended step to reduce speech anxiety? a. Learn to relax b. Know the material c. Turn nervousness into positive energy d. Concentrate on yourself, not your message 4. The two most important things that professional speakers say are critical for a successful presentation are preparation and practice. TRUE or FALSE Answers: B. Fear of speaking in public D. All of these are fears that people have for speaking in public. D It is recommended that you concentrate on your message, not yourself, to reduce speech anxiety. True. Preparation and practice are critical for a successful presentation.

Eulogy A speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, especially a set oration in honor of a deceased person. Oration – a formal public speech, especially delivered on a special occasion, such as an anniversary, funeral or academic exercise.

What is in a Eulogy? Biographical Information about the person – who their family is? who are they leaving behind? Life history – what did they do for a living? What were they known for? Did they make the news for anything they may have done? Personality – describe them as you knew them Personal Story – how did you meet them? What did you do with them? What do you know about them that others may not? How are they going to be missed? What did you learn from them?

Eulogy Speech