As a singer, stage fright is your worst enemy. Here’s a few tips on how to get over stage fright when singing, and loads on information about stage fright that will arm you in dealing with this menace. Read on and never fear the stage again!
Have you ever experienced a sudden feeling of overwhelming fear when you are on a stage, in front of an audience? A sudden burst of nerves, feeling of nausea, or feeling dizzy is identified as stage fright.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety during a big event of public performance is said to affect 73% of the population. It is normal to feel scared or worried before delivering a performance like a speech or music. The good news is – you can have stage fright and still deliver a good performance.
What Is Stage Fright?
Stage fright is a type of performance anxiety in which a person experiences intense fear and trepidation at the thought of performing in front of an audience. As a professional singer, stage fright is potent enough to end your career before it even begins.
This fear can be so overwhelming that it may cause the person to freeze up or be unable to perform their best. Stage fright is a very common feeling and is experienced by many people, even those who are experienced performers.
Stage fright is a manifestation of the fight or flight reaction that humans have been handed down from the time when we were nothing but apes in the jungle trying to ward off predators.
What Causes Stage Fright?
There are many potential causes of stage fright, including performance anxiety, fear of public speaking, and fear of failure.
- Performance anxiety is a major cause of stage fright. This occurs when an individual feels nervous or anxious about their ability to perform well during a live event.
- Fear of public speaking is a cause of stage fright. This occurs when an individual feels nervous or anxious about speaking in front of a large group of people.
- Fear of failure can be another common cause of stage fright. This occurs when an individual feels nervous or anxious about the possibility of not being able to meet their own expectations or the expectations of others.
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What Does Stage Fright Look Like?
Stage fright manifests itself differently for different people. For some, it can be simply an intense feeling of nervousness or some other form of anxiety. For others, it can manifest as physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or even an elevated heart rate.
In severe cases, stage fright can cause a person to freeze up completely and be unable to perform at all. No matter how stage fright manifests itself, it can be a debilitating condition that can prevent a person from being able to enjoy performing or speaking in front of an audience.
How Can You Overcome Stage Fright As a Singer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to overcome stage fright may vary depending on the person.
Tips To Manage Stage Fright Before the Event
Manifestation is often regarded as the best way to control your stage fright when you are preparing for a big performance. So, there are a few ideas that performers can use to take control of their fright.
- It is also important to try and focus on the positive aspects of the performance, such as the fact that you are about to entertain an audience, rather than dwelling on any negative thoughts.
- Another method of helping to control stage fright is to have a positive attitude towards the performance. This means thinking about the fact that you are about to do something that you enjoy, and that you are confident in your ability to do it well.
- It is also important to think about the fact that the audience wants to see a good show, so there is no need to worry about making any mistakes. Just focus on giving them a good time.
- Finally, it is also helpful to remember that everyone gets nervous before a performance, even the most experienced performers. So just take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is normal. Then focus on putting on the best show possible.
- Focus on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Whether it’s because you’re passionate about the topic or you want to make a difference in the world, reminding yourself of your motives can help you push through any fear.
- Practice as much as possible. The more familiar you are with your material, the less likely you are to freeze up on stage.
- Remember that the world’s best artists and most famous singers including Katy Perry, Adele and Ozzy Osbourne have stage fright. So you are not alone!
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Tips For The Actual Day
When you are preparing for the performance, there are a few things you can do to take control of your stage fright:
- One method is to try and relax the body as much as possible backstage before the show. This can be done by doing some light stretching exercises.
- Breathing exercises such as taking in and letting out deep breaths can help. Focus on slow, controlled exhalations. This can help calm your nervous feelings and ease any anxious feelings that you have.
- Learn to train your body to use the nervous energy of the stage. Control this energy and unleash it when you are up on the podium. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help you in this
- Wear comfortable clothing that you feel good in. Dressing the part can also boost your confidence levels and help you feel more prepared.
- Do practice runs, but don’t stress yourself out over them. Do it in presence of friends who will support or complement you at all times.
Stage Fright Symptoms That You Need To Be Aware Of
Symptoms of stage fright can vary from mild to severe and may include anything from butterflies in the stomach to a full-blown panic attack.
- Physical symptoms may include trembling, sweating, racing heart, and nausea.
- Mentally, you may feel like you’re in a fog, or that your mind has gone blank.
- You may also experience doubts about your abilities, feel like you’re going to make a fool of yourself, or worry that you’ll embarrass yourself.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to remember that they are all normal and that everyone experiences them to some degree. The key is to not let them get in the way of your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be a singer if you have stage fright?
Yes, you can be a singer if you have stage fright. Many people with stage fright are able to overcome their fear and perform successfully. There are many resources available to help people with stage fright overcome their fear and sing confidently on stage. It all depends on how your mind processes your fear.
Why do I get so nervous when I sing?
There are a few possible reasons why you may feel nervous when singing. It could be that you’re not confident in your abilities, or you may be worried about making a mistake. Performance anxiety is also common among singers. If you’re worried about how you’ll sound or whether you’ll be able to hit the right notes, it can lead to stage fright.
How do I gain confidence in singing?
There are a few things you can do to help build your confidence when singing. Practice regularly, because the more you sing, the more comfortable and confident you will become with your voice.
Knowing the range of your voice can help you feel more confident when singing, as you will know what notes you are able to hit comfortably. Proper breathing techniques will not only help you project your voice better but also help you relax while singing. Finally, relax. Try to focus on enjoying yourself.
What is the fear of singing called?
The fear of singing is called phonophobia. However, fear of singing in front of a large crowd does not have any name. Public speakers can face fear of the stage called “glossophobia”, which is the closest to what we are trying to tackle in this article.
Final Words
There are a number of people who are worried about how to get over stage fright when singing and whether they can ever do it. However, it is important to remember that with some preparation and practice, it is possible to overcome stage fright and deliver an amazing performance.
Just remember to take things one step at a time and focus on your breathing to stay calm. Thank you for reading, and we hope we were able to help you get over your stage fright and bring your music to the world.