Stage Fright

Instructor: Bibi Halima

Bibi.halima@uow.edu.pk
The human brain is a wonderful thing. It starts working
the moment you are born, and never stops until you stand
up to speak in public.
George Jessel
Hello!
I am Bibi Halima
I am here because I love to give presentations.
You can find me at Bibi.halima@uow.edu.pk

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Agenda
“
▪ What is stage Fright?

▪ Signs of Discomfort

▪ Strategies to Decrease Stage Fright

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 Stage Fright
“
Stage fright or performance anxiety is the anxiety,
fear, panic, nervousness or persistent phobia which may
be aroused/felt in an individual by the requirement
to perform in front of an audience whether actually
(real-life) or potentially (for example, when performing
before a camera)

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A Phobia
▪ This unreasonable fear is known by
many other names such as:
▪ Speech /performance anxiety

▪ Stage shyness

▪ Speech / Performance phobia

▪ Phobophobia

▪ Fear of speaking/performing 6
“Those who know me
best know that when I
walk out on a stage, I am
nervous, always nervous”
Van Cliburn, American Pianist
“I would not want even an
enemy to suffer those
terrible moments”
Luciano Pavarotti, Italian Operatic
Tenor
“This is wonderful thing...
Once is speech is over”
Steve Carlton, American Baseball
Player 7
Stage Fright: The most common
and the #1 rated fear among
people

This is a type of fear that millions and

millions of people share with each other
but no one likes to talk about it. In many
surveys, it is found the most common fear
people experience. Stage fright can cast
negative impact on one’s career and
ability to get things done, therefore,
affects the chances of success.

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The only practical
solution to stage
fright

The more one practices

the better one’s
performance can be.

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 Signs of Discomfort
a s k e d
y o u a re
u w h e n o d y
s to y o y o u r b
h ap p e n d o e s
W h a t ic? Ho w
in p u b l
s p e a k d t o i t ?
to respon

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₪ Do you experience mental blackout?

₪ Do you hear your heart beat faster than usual??

₪ Do you feel your blood rushing to your head and to your

cheeks?

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₪ Are you at loss for breath?

₪ Is there a sensation of butterflies flitting in your stomach?

₪ Do you sweat more than usual?

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₪ Are your hands cold or trembling?

₪ Is your body tense and stiff?

₪ Do you lose control on your voice?

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 Other Symptoms of Stage Fright

Tears Tummy No Eye

Tantrums Aches Contact

Give me Hand Fast

Severe Dry mouth (oops, I cannot resist
Pulse
Headache )

Nausea (Sickness) Shaky Knees 14

Do you suffer from
these signs?

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© Inadequate preparation
© Fear of being judged
© Unfamiliarity with audience or environment
© Lack of knowledge about the subject
© Fear of unknown
© Negative past experiences
© Feelings of inadequacy

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Strategies to Decrease Stage Place your screenshot here

Fright

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1. Know your subject well 2. Rehearse several times
▪ If you can pick a topic that you’re ▪ Practice in front of a mirror and
really passionate about, it’ll help a
maintain eye contact with
lot when you talk about it to a
yourself. It’ll help you become
larger group of people. Make sure
comfortable with saying the
you know all about your topic; you
words, as well as keeping your
can be confident that your
eyes fixed on something other
information is all accurate.
than your notes- don’t be afraid to
Become the expert!
look up.

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 3. Request in advance a 4. Precheck any equipment
lectern you will need

▪ Lectern helps you to hold not only ▪ Projector, screen, extension cord,
your notes but also, occasionally, speakers and know which
your trembling hands and shaky electronic outlet is nearest the
knees podium or lectern

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5. Take an object with your
▪ Bringing a small stress ball, eraser, or paper to
hold onto while you speak may help. It will help
you channel your anxiety towards something
more concrete, and will keep you from fidgeting.
If you have something small that brings you
comfort, like a lucky object, don’t be afraid to
have it there with you.
6. Breathe deeply and slowly
before speaking
▪ Try moving a little in your chair
cross and uncross your legs.
Most importantly, deep breathing
before speaking works like magic
so don’t forget to breathe
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7. Move during the speech
▪ Some movements holds audience attention and
releases nervous energy. Even behind lectern
one can move slightly. Change of gestures also
helps speaker to reduce this speech anxiety.
8. Approach the lectern with
assurance and enthusiasm
▪ Don’t rush to the end but take
your time to get settled. No one
mind if you speak slowly or give
short pauses.
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 Personal Suggestions

▪ Talk to yourself in front of mirror

▪ Rehearse for multiple times before giving final

performance

▪ Join a public speaking club in your vicinity

▪ Test your public speaking skills via specific android

apps like Orai-al communication coach

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Any question?

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Credits
Effective Business Communication
Herta A. Murphy

Chapter 14, p398-400

Strategies for reducing stage fright
Signs of discomfort
Checklist 14.4

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Helping Material
❖ Fight or Flight formula
https://youtu.be/UUmr904wegs

❖ Deep breathing
https://youtu.be/0U9_1gQOruY

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