Confidence Ch. 6

What is Stage Fright? Most people experience stage fright; public speaking is #1 fear of people Stage Fright: the nervousness felt when appearing as a speaker or a performer before an audience. –EXAMPLES: Sweaty palms before presenting Butterflies in stomach

Stage Fright There are two types of stage fright. –Controlled: the realization that a feeling of tension is natural and can actually sharpen thinking, so that nervousness can be regulated. EXAMPLES: –You have practiced and feel confident, as your body starts to get nervous, you tell yourself you can do this. –Runaway: feelings of anxiety that are so intense that one loses control EXAMPLES: –You start to feel nervous and continue thinking about that nervousness until it gets so bad you are shaking.

Controlling Nerves and Building Confidence There are 7 strategies for controlling nerves and building confidence…

1. Preparation

2. Relaxation

3. Attitude

4. Concentration

5. Humor

6. Movement Use structured movement (walking, hand gestures, eye contact) to keep from shaking and showing nervousness.

7. Practice